Victim turns hostile in sensational Safdarjung rape case

New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) In a major setback to the prosecution, the prosecutrix turned 'hostile' in the alleged rape of a 32 year-old-woman at Safdurjung hospital a year ago.

The 32 year-old-prosecutrix, while appearing before the Patiala House court Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) S P Garg, categorically deposed that Sanjay, the accused did not rape her and the police had taken her signature in a blank paper on September 17, 2005.

On the contrary, the court, on January 28, had framed charges against the prime accused Sanjay who had allegedly raped the woman. The court also had framed charges against one of his associate's Hariom, who had taken her jewellery.

According to the police, Sanjay, listed as a 'bad character' at the Hauz Khas police station, was a chronic alcoholic and would often loiter in and around Safdarjung Hospital in an inebriated state. He would also dupe patients or their attendants of their money by posing as an employee of the hospital and promising to get their jobs done.

During interrogation, Sanjay allegedly confessed to having criminally assaulted the woman. He told the police that he was in an inebriated state.

After criminally assaulting her, Sanjay had bolted the door from outside and fled, after which, the woman raised an alarm alerting some passers-by who opened the door.

The woman then narrated the incident to her sister-in-law who came along with her.

The bizzare incident took place on September 14, 2005, on the fifth floor at the OPD (Out-Patients Department) of Safdurjung hospital.

Sanjay, a resident of Sahpurjat was arrested on September 16, under sections 354 (assault on a woman to outrage her modesty) and the Arms act. In the hospital, the victim had identified Sanjay as the main accused who had raped her.

The police had arrested Hariom to recover the stolen jewellery from him, according to the prosecution.

Sanjay was charged under sections 376 (Rape), 392 (Robbery) and 506 (Criminal intimidation) whereas Hariom was charged under section 411 (Dishonestly receiving stolen property) of the Indian Penal Code.

UNI XC RA KP1909