The Delhi High Court has rejected a bail plea from a maulvi accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl under the guise of spiritual treatment. The court noted that the accused allegedly exploited the vulnerable physical and mental condition of the victim and the blind faith her family had in him.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, on a single-judge Bench, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations in the FIR filed under Section 376 IPC and the POCSO Act. The court stated that the accused took advantage of the victim’s poor health and her family’s belief in evil spirits.
The prosecution claimed that the accused, posing as a Maulvi and faith healer, was recommended to the victim’s family in 2019. During the treatment, the accused reportedly made inappropriate advances towards the girl and sexually assaulted her, claiming it was necessary to remove an evil spirit.
The court declined the bail plea, citing the gravity of the allegations and the advanced stage of the trial. It urged the trial court to expedite the proceedings, considering the accused has been in custody for over six years.
