Grabbing breasts, snapping pyjama string is aggravated sexual assault, not attempt to rape: HC
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Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has ruled that grabbing the breasts of an 11-year-old girl, breaking her pyjama string, and attempting to drag her beneath a culvert constitute aggravated sexual assault but do not amount to rape or an attempt to rape.
The incident took place in 2021 when the accused, Pawan and Akash, allegedly offered a lift to the child before assaulting her. However, they fled when passers-by intervened. Initially, the Kasganj trial court directed that they face charges under s. 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rape and s. 18 of the POCSO Act.
A single-judge bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra modified the charges, ruling that the accused should be tried under s. 354-B IPC (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe) along with ss. 9/10 of the POCSO Act (aggravated sexual assault). The court noted that for a charge of attempt to rape, the prosecution must establish that the act had gone beyond mere preparation.
"The allegations hardly constitute an offence of attempt to rape. There is no allegation that the accused tried to commit penetrative sexual assault against the victim," the court stated. It also observed that the victim did not get undressed due to the accused's actions, which was a factor in determining the charges.
The third accused, Ashok, father of Pawan, was summoned under ss. 504 and 506 IPC for allegedly abusing and threatening the complainant when she reported the incident.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
