HC to determine Banda girl's age

Banda, Jan 18: A local court in Banda on Monday failed to conclude the age of the girl, who was allegedly raped by BSP MLA Purushottam Dwivedi, because all the relevant documents were with the Allahabad High court. On Tuesday, Jan 18 the High Court is to decide whether the confinement of victim in jail over a month in a fake theft case was illegal and as well as the age of the girl.

The girl maintained that she is 17-years-old, but the girl's former school ,Shahbazpur Primary, principal has submitted documents in court that said she is 19-years-old.

The victim's age is a crucial part of this case that has to be confirmed, based on the girl's age the nature of charges will be filed against Dwivedi. The quantum of punishment will be awarded for raping a minor girl, if the accused is convicted.

If the victim is proved minor, then it also means that police violated the laws by putting a minor behind the bars. According to the Indian laws if the accused is a minor then he/she should be handed-over to juvenile detention center.

Crime Branch (CB)-CID investigation report into the alleged theft case on the girl, said that the accusations were framed.

Senior advocate Harish Salve on Monday, Jan 17 moved the Supreme Court seeking a judicial probe into the arrest of Banda rape victim.

OneIndia News