In Brief
Three men were convicted by the High Court of Karnataka for gang rape and theft after their trial court acquittal. The Supreme Court allowed their appeal, setting aside the conviction. The Court found the prosecutrix's testimony riddled with major inconsistencies between her FIR and trial deposition regarding the location of abduction, the number of perpetrators, and details of the assault. Medical evidence showed no signs of forcible intercourse. The victim's conduct—remaining calm, eating with assailants, and not screaming—was atypical of rape victims. Seized evidence, particularly ear studs, appeared procured by police from a jeweler. A hostile witness suggested the victim had demanded money from the accused and filed a false case after being refused. Finding multiple irreconcilable inconsistencies and lack of credibility, the Court ruled the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
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