POCSO court denies bail to 20-year-old accused of harassing 10-year-old girl

A Special POCSO court in Ahmedabad has rejected the bail application of 20-year-old Zayed Ghanchi, accused of sexually harassing a 10-year-old girl in the Amdupura locality in the city.

The court observed that the accused committed a serious offence despite knowing the victim was a minor. It noted that the bail plea was filed after the chargesheet, with no new grounds or change in circumstances. Releasing the accused on bail at this stage could adversely impact society and prejudice the prosecution's case. The court further stated there is a prima facie case against him, making a liberal approach to bail inappropriate in the interest of justice.

The Additional Public Prosecutor opposed the bail, emphasising the gravity of the offence. A previous regular bail application by the accused had been rejected, with no subsequent change in circumstances warranting reconsideration post-chargesheet.

The defence counsel argued that the investigation is complete, the chargesheet filed, and no injuries were found on the victim's private parts as per the medical certificate. The accused, in judicial custody since June 30, 2025, is young with no prior criminal history and would be available for trial. Prolonged detention without bail would amount to pre-trial punishment, especially given the expected delay in trial.

The incident dates back to June 26, 2025, when the accused allegedly called the minor victim to his house and sexually harassed her. An FIR was subsequently registered at Shaherkotda Police Station.