MP High Court Orders Probe Into Suspected Fake Survey in POCSO Case
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a strong stance against suspected evidence tampering in a sensitive POCSO case. A division bench has ordered an immediate inquiry into a survey report that may have been fabricated to protect an accused individual.
Court Suspects Anganwadi Worker Created False Evidence
During an appeal hearing, the court grew suspicious about a survey document presented as evidence. This document suggested the rape survivor from Chhatarpur district might actually be an adult. The bench believes the Anganwadi worker from the village prepared this fake report to shield the accused from justice.
Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Ratnesh Chandra Singh Bisen presided over this important case. They noted several glaring irregularities in the submitted survey document.
Multiple Red Flags in the Survey Document
The court identified several problems with the evidence presented by Anganwadi worker Malti Ahirwar:
- The covering page lacked crucial registration details
- It did not include the name of the Anganwadi Sahika or sector supervisor
- No address information appeared on the document
- Malti Ahirwar's signature was conspicuously absent
- The date of birth column in the survey report remained completely blank
These omissions raised serious questions about the document's authenticity. The court concluded the evidence appeared fabricated based on these obvious deficiencies.
Background of the Case
Anil Agnihotri faced serious charges in this POCSO case. The trial court convicted him of abduction and rape involving a minor. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for these crimes.
Agnihotri appealed this decision to the High Court. During the appeal proceedings, his lawyer presented the questionable survey evidence. This document claimed a 2005 village survey showed the survivor was only three years old at that time.
According to this survey, the survivor would have reached adulthood by the time of the alleged incident. The defense hoped this evidence would undermine the prosecution's case.
Court's Decisive Action
The High Court bench saw through this potentially deceptive evidence. They observed that Malti Ahirwar seemed to be providing false testimony before the court. Her cross-examination revealed the survey's critical flaws.
With these observations, the court issued clear instructions. They directed the District Programme Officer stationed at Chhatarpur to conduct a thorough investigation. The officer must determine if the Anganwadi worker deliberately created false evidence.
If the investigation confirms wrongdoing, the court ordered immediate legal action against Malti Ahirwar. She could face serious consequences for potentially committing perjury in a sensitive POCSO case.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the judiciary's vigilance in protecting vulnerable victims. The court demonstrated zero tolerance for evidence manipulation in sensitive cases involving minors. Their swift action sends a strong message about maintaining judicial integrity.
The investigation ordered by the High Court will now determine the truth about this suspected evidence fabrication. The outcome could have significant implications for how evidence gets presented in similar cases moving forward.
