Man acquitted in stepdaughter's rape case

The court points out inconsistencies in the allegations.

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RAWALPINDI:

Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Asif Mehmood acquitted a stepfather accused of raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter, citing a lack of evidence in Rawalpindi.

The court ordered the man's immediate release from Adiala Jail, declaring the case unfounded.

The case, registered on June 15, 2023, in Islamabad's Lohi Bher police jurisdiction, involved allegations brought forth by the victim's mother, Safia Bibi.

She accused her husband, whom she married in 2019, of repeatedly assaulting her youngest daughter.

Safia Bibi has three daughters, aged 14, 12, and 11, from a previous marriage.

Advocate Chaudhry Abid Hussain Chohan, representing Irfan, argued in court that the allegations lacked substantiation.

Contradictions were noted in the statements provided by Safia Bibi and her daughters.

Additionally, both the forensic and medical reports did not corroborate the claims, leading the court to deem the case fabricated.

"This is a sensitive and serious allegation. No one can be punished based on mere accusations without evidence," stated Advocate Chohan.

He further called for strict action against those filing false cases, highlighting the reputational damage and financial loss suffered by his client.

The court criticised the lack of credible evidence, stating that false accusations undermine the gravity of such serious crimes.

It also emphasised the need for stronger investigative procedures to prevent misuse of legal systems.

Advocate Chohan urged the City Police Officer (CPO) to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to handle such cases comprehensively.

He also pointed to other instances of false accusations in Rawalpindi, including cases against prominent religious figures, calling for punitive measures against complainants and investigators involved in filing baseless allegations.

The court's decision has raised questions about the handling of sensitive cases and the need for balanced measures to protect both victims and the falsely accused.