In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a 30-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for allegedly kidnapping and raping a minor who is now his wife, dating back to 2015.
The victim was 13 years old at the time of the alleged kidnapping, which led to a case filed by her father against the man, who was in his twenties then.
“The court examined seven prosecution witnesses. Both the complainant and the victim did not support the prosecution’s version and were declared hostile,” stated defence counsel Mohammad Firoz.
According to the initial complaint lodged by the girl’s father, he accused distant relatives of being involved in his daughter’s kidnapping.
During the investigation, police conducted searches across multiple locations. Nearly six months later, the girl was found, and the accused was subsequently arrested.
“The girl’s statement was recorded by the police and a magistrate. Based on her statement, the police filed rape charges against the young man,” explained advocate Mohammad Firoz.
“The girl stated that she had gone with the young man of her own volition,” added advocate Mohammad Firoz.