A city sessions court on Monday denied anticipatory bail to a 17-year-old who is facing

Ahmedabad: A city sessions court on Monday denied anticipatory bail to a 17-year-old who is facing allegations of sexually harassing his distant cousin. The cousin, a UK resident, had come to India four years ago and revealed the alleged offence two years ago.

Accordingly, an FIR was lodged against the juvenile delinquent with Mahila Police Station (East), Ahmedabad on Aug 14 by the victim’s mother under Sections 354 and 354a of IPC, and 7 and 8 of the Pocso Act. The accused, too, was 13 years of age at the time of the alleged harassment in July-Aug 2022, when the victim along with her parents was on an India trip. It was in May 2024 that the girl first revealed the alleged incident before her mother and attending doctors during counselling sessions.

After the teen’s revelation of the alleged molestation during counselling sessions, her mother filed a complaint with UK police but was given an option “to report to the police in India whilst there”, according to public prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt. Fearing an arrest, the boy sought anticipatory bail and claimed innocence and alleged false implication. He submitted that he is studying on a pharmacy course and if arrested, his career would be ruined and he would lose all social standing.

Opposing the bail, the complainant mother also contended that the juvenile accused’s family is influential and can exert undue pressure on the victim and key witnesses.

Court Denies Anticipatory Bail in Ongoing Case

Additional Sessions Judge J I Patel reviewed documents submitted by UK authorities in a case involving the applicant seeking anticipatory bail. After assessing the overall facts and circumstances, Judge Patel concluded that the case does not warrant the discretionary power of the court to grant bail at this time. The judge’s statement emphasized the nature of the offence as a significant factor in this decision.