Kanpur Court Clears IAF Man of Molestation Charges After Complainant Retracts Allegations
A special court in Kanpur has acquitted an Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who was accused of molesting his minor sister-in-law, after the complainant testified that the alleged incident had occurred in a dream and was based on a misunderstanding. The ruling, delivered on March 7, brings closure to a case that had dragged on for nearly five years, causing significant distress to the accused.
Background of the Case and Initial Allegations
The case was registered at the Naubasta Police Station on August 3, 2019, based on a complaint filed by a 15-year-old girl. She had alleged that her brother-in-law, Anurag Shukla, molested her earlier that year while she was asleep. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident was said to have taken place on the night of March 8, 2019, when the girl was staying at her sister’s house in Khadepur, under the jurisdiction of the Naubasta police station.
Shukla, who married Shivani Tiwari on February 10, 2019, was living in Khadepur at the time of the alleged incident and has since shifted to Bithoor. He was arrested on September 29, 2019, and spent 19 days in jail before being granted bail on October 17 that year. A chargesheet was later filed, and the special court framed charges in November 2019 under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including molestation and sexual assault of a minor.
Key Testimonies Lead to Acquittal
During the trial, the complainant retracted her earlier allegations, providing a crucial turn in the case. She told the court that she had been on antibiotics and was in a semi-conscious state on the night in question. She explained that she had "felt in a dream" that Shukla had grabbed and molested her, after which she woke up frightened and raised an alarm. This testimony was corroborated by her father, Vijay Tiwari, and her elder sister, Shivani Tiwari—who is married to Shukla—both of whom confirmed that the complaint had been filed due to a misunderstanding.
Defence counsel Karim Ahmad Siddiqui highlighted these points, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence. The special court, presided over by Judge Rashmi Singh, took note of the complainant's retraction and the family members' statements. In its ruling, the court held that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to Shukla's acquittal on all charges.
Impact on the Accused and Career Consequences
Shukla expressed relief at the verdict but noted the severe toll the case had taken on his life. He stated that it caused him immense mental stress and damaged his social reputation and career prospects. Specifically, he revealed that he could not secure a promotion to the rank of corporal in the IAF in 2020 due to the ongoing legal battle and continues to serve as a leading aircraftman. The acquittal, however, allows him to move forward and potentially rebuild his career and personal life.
This case underscores the complexities involved in legal proceedings under the POCSO Act, where testimonies and evidence play a critical role. The court's decision highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the need to consider all aspects, including retractions and contextual factors, before reaching a verdict.
