Archive · 22 Jul 2026
UP Man Acquitted in Pocso Case After 2.5 Years
An 84-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh was acquitted in a child sexual abuse case after spending over two and a half years in jail.
The High Court found that the prosecution did not prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The defense showed that the man was undergoing eye treatment in another district during the alleged incident, supported by hospital records.
The court noted inconsistencies in the prosecution's case and the lack of physical evidence.
The man was ordered to be released immediately and the fine, if deposited, was to be refunded.
An 84-year-old man was acquitted in a Pocso case after being initially sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
The High Court found that the prosecution failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
The defense presented witnesses and hospital records showing the man was undergoing eye treatment during the alleged incident.
The court noted inconsistencies in the prosecution's case and the lack of physical evidence supporting the allegations.
The man was ordered to be released immediately and the fine, if deposited, was to be refunded.
- Who
- An 84-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh
- What
- Acquitted in a Pocso case after being initially sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment
- When
- The case originated on December 10, 2021, and the High Court decision was made on an unspecified date in 2024
- Where
- Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- The prosecution failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt, and the defense provided an alibi supported by documentary evidence
Prosecution
Defense
Allegations and Evidence
Prosecution
The prosecution alleged that the 84-year-old man sexually assaulted a four-year-old girl and relied on the testimony of the girl's mother, the examining doctor, and the investigating officer.
Defense
The defense presented witnesses, including the village head and the appellant's daughter-in-law, who testified that the man was undergoing eye treatment in Chitrakoot district during the alleged incident. They supported this with hospital registration slips and outpatient records.
Delay in FIR
Prosecution
The prosecution explained the five-day delay in lodging the FIR but was found to have internally inconsistent and shifting explanations.
Defense
The defense highlighted the unexplained delay and the lack of physical evidence supporting the allegations.
Medical Evidence
Prosecution
The prosecution relied on medical evidence, but the court noted it was entirely neutral and contained no physical findings supporting penetrative assault.
Defense
The defense argued that the absence of medical evidence supporting the allegations undermined the prosecution's case.
- Accused Age
- 84 years old
- Victim Age
- 4 years old
- Initial Charges
- Molestation and sections of the Pocso Act
- Escalated Charge
- Penetrative sexual assault (rape)
- Initial Sentence
- 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000
- Defense Witnesses
- Village head and the appellant's daughter-in-law
- Defense Evidence
- Hospital registration slips and outpatient records
- High Court Decision
- Acquitted due to lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt