Pune Court Takes Strong Stance in Heinous Crime Case
A sessions court in Indapur, rural Pune, has delivered a significant ruling by rejecting the bail application of a school clerk arrested for the attempted rape and murder of a 14-year-old student from the same institution. The tragic incident occurred on July 28, 2024, when the accused allegedly forced his way into the girl's house while she was alone.
The Fateful Day and Subsequent Tragedy
According to police investigations, the accused clerk entered the minor's residence when she was by herself and attempted to force a physical relationship with her. When the brave young girl resisted his advances, the situation turned even more horrifying. The perpetrator spotted a bottle of insecticide nearby and threatened to poison her. Despite her continued resistance, he eventually administered the poisonous substance to the victim.
The girl's grandfather became the unlikely hero of this tragic story when he rushed to the house upon hearing her desperate screams. However, the accused pushed the elderly man aside and managed to escape from the scene. The victim was immediately admitted to a hospital in Akluj on the same day, where she recorded her official statement. This statement later became her dying declaration as she succumbed to insecticide poisoning while undergoing treatment on July 31, 2024.
Court's Reasoning for Bail Rejection
Judge UM Mudholkar, while delivering the verdict on November 18, provided compelling reasons for denying bail to the accused. The judge emphasized that strong prima facie material exists showing the clerk's culpability in committing the alleged offenses. The court described the accused as appearing violent and cruel and noted the serious, non-bailable nature of the crimes.
The judicial decision heavily relied on the victim's dying declaration, which clearly identified the accused and described his role in the crime. The court found this declaration to hold reliable legal value and considered it a crucial piece of evidence. Additionally, the court examined statements from the girl's family members and concluded they had no reason to falsely implicate the accused.
The judge also dismissed any possibility of mistaken identity, noting that the victim knew the accused well since he worked as a clerk at her school. This established relationship made the identification unquestionably accurate.
Legal Charges and Current Status
The accused now faces multiple serious charges under various sections of the law. These include house trespass under section 333, molestation under section 74, and sexual harassment under section 75. Most significantly, he's charged with murder under section 103 and violations under sections 8 and 10 of the POCSO Act, which provides special protections for children from sexual offenses.
The accused remains in judicial custody as the legal proceedings continue. The court's firm stance reflects the seriousness with which the Indian judiciary is treating crimes against children, particularly those involving sexual violence and murder. This case has drawn significant attention in the Pune region and highlights the ongoing struggle against sexual crimes targeting minors in educational environments.
