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Crime
Thane Court Acquits Man in 5-Year-Old Girl's Sexual Assault Case, Citing Investigation Lapses
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 11:46 PM
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A Thane court has cleared a man charged with raping a five‑year‑old girl, stating that serious lapses in the investigation undermined the prosecution’s case.
The Thane Sessions Court delivered its verdict on a high‑profile sexual assault case involving a five‑year‑old girl, acquitting the accused after finding substantial procedural shortcomings in the police probe. The judge highlighted that key pieces of evidence were either missing or mishandled, rendering the prosecution unable to establish a clear chain of custody. Consequently, the court concluded that the prosecution had failed to meet the burden of proof required for a conviction.
Legal experts noted that such lapses, including delayed filing of FIRs and inadequate forensic documentation, often compromise the integrity of sexual offence investigations. The acquittal underscores the challenges faced by victims and their families in navigating a justice system where investigative rigor is paramount.
The decision has sparked discussions among child‑rights advocates about the need for stricter oversight of police procedures in cases involving minors. While the court’s ruling is final in this instance, authorities may consider reviewing investigative protocols to prevent similar shortcomings in future cases.
Legal experts noted that such lapses, including delayed filing of FIRs and inadequate forensic documentation, often compromise the integrity of sexual offence investigations. The acquittal underscores the challenges faced by victims and their families in navigating a justice system where investigative rigor is paramount.
The decision has sparked discussions among child‑rights advocates about the need for stricter oversight of police procedures in cases involving minors. While the court’s ruling is final in this instance, authorities may consider reviewing investigative protocols to prevent similar shortcomings in future cases.