Court lets off four rape accused, rues insensitive probe

"The present case relates to the gang rape of a child victim and more sensitivity and diligence was expected of the investigating officers (IOs)," said Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Illa Rawat.

"An appropriate action is desirable against the erring police officials," she added while acquitting the four accused - city residents Kapil Sharma, Jai Prakash, Bablu and Vikrant.

The court acquitted the four giving them the benefit of doubt as the victim failed to identify them.

The court rued police failed to trace the victim's brother and sister to have their deposition as prosecution witness.

"Even elder brother and sister of the victim were not traceable. The victim herself was produced to depose before the court but only to turn hostile. No serious efforts were made to trace out the other material witness," the court said.

The prosecution case dated back to March 1, 2009, when the victim was alone at her home, all the four accused entered her room in an inebriated condition and allegedly raped her. (More)