Ahmedabad Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Minor Accused In POCSO Case Involving UK-Based Teenager

The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of a minor accused of allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who had travelled from the UK to Ahmedabad with her family in 2022.

The court observed that the allegations under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were serious and that the investigation was at a crucial stage. It held that the accused's presence was necessary for a proper investigation and that bail could not be granted in the interests of justice.

Complaint Filed After Victim Returned To UK

According to the case details, the victim and her family had visited relatives in Ahmedabad in 2022. The alleged sexual assault took place during the visit, when the girl was 13.

After returning to the UK, the girl reportedly showed signs of severe distress and was frequently crying. Her mother questioned her, following which the girl disclosed the alleged incident.

She subsequently underwent a medical examination and counselling in the UK. According to the prosecution, UK medical authorities placed her under a high-risk child and suicide-watch category.

The girl's mother then approached the UK police. After her statement was recorded there, a complaint was registered with the East Mahila Police Station in Ahmedabad.

Accused Cites Four-Year Delay

The accused, through his father, approached the Ahmedabad Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail to avoid a possible arrest.

The defence argued that the case had been registered nearly four years after the alleged incident, raising questions over the credibility of the allegations.

It was also submitted that the accused, aged 17 years and seven months, was a bright student pursuing pharmacy studies, had no criminal history and was willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the court.

The defence further claimed that the victim was under stress and alleged that the accused had been falsely implicated.

Prosecution Opposes Bail

Chief Public Prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt opposed the anticipatory bail plea, arguing that delays in reporting sexual offences involving minors can occur because of social fear, shock and shame.

The prosecution submitted that the victim was only 13 when the alleged incident occurred and that she disclosed it to her mother during counselling in the UK in May 2024.

The prosecution also pointed to the medical records and the action taken by UK authorities, arguing that the allegations required a thorough investigation.

It further submitted that the accused and victim were closely related and that the seriousness of the allegations warranted rejection of the bail application.

After hearing both sides, the Sessions Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea.