JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
A fast-track court in Jammu has convicted Maulvi Mohammad Shahnawaz, the accused in the highly controversial 2018 rape case of a seven-year-old girl. This case, which occurred in the Nagrota area in 2018 and shocked the entire region at the time, has been convicted.
The court clearly stated in its verdict that the minor victim’s statement was natural, consistent, and completely credible. According to the court, in such cases, a conviction can be based solely on the victim’s testimony.
What was the case?
According to the prosecution, the victim attended the local mosque where the accused served as a Maulvi for Quranic lessons. On March 12, 2018, the accused allegedly sent the other children away, took the girl into a room, and raped her.
Upon returning home, the girl complained of severe pain, prompting her family to report the incident to the police.
16 Witnesses, Medical Evidence, and Court Comments
During the trial, the prosecution presented 16 witnesses, including the victim, her mother, relatives, a doctor, and the investigating officer. The court acknowledged that minor discrepancies in the witnesses’ statements were natural and did not impact the core case.
The medical evidence also conformed to the prosecution’s version. The court rejected the defense’s allegation of false implication, stating that no parent would risk implicating an innocent person by putting the dignity of their minor child at risk.
Justice After Eight Years
The court’s decision in this case, which lasted nearly eight years, is being considered a significant step toward justice for the victim’s family. The sentence will now be decided at the next hearing.
This decision also reflects the seriousness and sensitivity of the judicial process in cases of crimes against minors.
