Kerala Police file kidnapping case against Muslim youngster after bike ride with girl
Sessions Court grants bail
Kasaragod: In a case that highlights concerns over moral policing and communal bias, a Kasaragod sessions court granted anticipatory bail to 23-year-old Sayyid Hiban Muhammed, a theatre technician from Lakshadweep, accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old girl. The court found no evidence of criminal intent and questioned the police's suo motu action in filing the case.
The alleged incident occurred on the night of September 13, during an Onam celebration at a private hospital where Muhammed worked. At the request of the girl, identified as Nandana P R*, Muhammed took her on a two-hour motorcycle ride. Both returned without incident. Nandana’s mother, Sreelakshmi R*, later stated she had no complaint against Muhammed and clarified that the outing was consensual.
Despite this, the Vanitha Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under s.137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging that Muhammed intended to abuse the girl. According to the girl's mother, local BJP leaders and police officials pressured her to implicate Muhammed, but she refused to change her stance.
The hospital management had initially requested a discreet inquiry, noting communal tensions within the staff but made no allegations of sexual misconduct. However, the police proceeded with the case, citing a potential POCSO violation, despite the girl's confidential statement to a magistrate confirming her consent and a medical examination ruling out abuse.
During the bail hearing, the public prosecutor argued that granting bail could stoke communal tensions. Sessions Judge Sanu S Panicker rejected the argument, observing that taking someone out without intent to commit an offence does not constitute a crime.
Advocate Shajjid Kammadam, representing Muhammed, criticised the case as being driven by prejudice rather than evidence. He confirmed that Muhammed plans to approach the Kerala High Court to quash the FIR.
"I hope today's order ensures that Muhammed and my family are left in peace," Sreelakshmi said, expressing relief over the court’s decision.
(*Names changed to protect identities.)
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
