3 acquitted of rape charges

Mumbai, July 3 (UNI) A local court today acquitted three people, including an actor who has acted in 'B' grade films, on rape charges due to lack of evidence against them.

Additional sessions judge Vinay Joshi acquitted Sohil Khan, Sikandar Khan and Iqbal Khan from rape charges levelled against them as the prosecution failed to prove the charges during the trial.

Judge Joshi also observed that there was discrepancy in the statement of the complainant. Therefore the court acquitted the accused giving them the benefit of doubt.

According to the facts of the case, the girl suspected that her step-father, Harish Mandal, wanted her to act in blue fims.

She had sought her boyfriend Sohil's help. Sohil had given her refuge in his home on April 6, 1995.

The girl's mother had lodged a complaint with Andheri police accusing Sohil and his friends, Sikandar Khan and Iqbal Khan, of raping her daughter. Sikandar has worked in several 'B' grade films.

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