The North Goa Special POCSO Court has rejected a discharge application filed in a POCSO case in which the accused had sought discharge, claiming that the complaint was lodged due to “misunderstandings and disputes.” In the application, the accused claimed that both parties have amicably resolved their differences, are living peacefully, and have voluntarily settled the matter without any pressure or coercion. The complainant girl had also expressed that she did not wish to pursue the case any further.

However, after hearing the arguments, the court refused to drop the charges. The court emphasized that the victim girl had clearly stated in her statement that the accused had sexually assaulted her. It noted that, at the stage of framing charges, such a statement must be presumed to be true. The court further referred to the victim’s school leaving certificate, which confirmed that she was a minor at the time of the alleged offence.

Finding a prima facie case against the accused, the court ruled that charges would be framed against him for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl.