Supreme Court Acquits Two Men, Including Death Row Convict, in Rape and Murder of 12-Year-Old Girl
Court Censures Poor Police Investigation and Emphasizes Need for Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Circumstantial Cases
The Supreme Court on August 26 acquitted two men, including a death row convict, in a 2012 rape and murder case of a 12-year-old girl in Lucknow, severely criticizing the police and prosecution for a “lackluster and shabby investigation”.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sanjay Karol, and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that when relying entirely on circumstantial evidence, the prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found the prosecution’s case frail and lacking credible evidence apart from the victim’s belongings found in the field cultivated by one accused, Putai.
The case had seen the accused convicted by trial and Allahabad High Court with sentences of death and life imprisonment. However, crucial forensic evidence was marred by procedural lapses — including unproven chain of custody for blood samples, absence of documentation, and inconsistent medical testimony. DNA reports were inconclusive or inadmissible due to procedural flaws and lapses in examination under CrPC provisions.
The Supreme Court held that suspicion, no matter how strong, cannot replace proper proof. It set aside the convictions and sentences, acquitting both accused. The ruling underscores the imperative of rigorous investigation and trial standards, especially in grave cases involving personal liberty and heinous crimes.