Thu Mar 20 06:42:27 UTC 2025: ## Allahabad High Court Reclassifies Charges in Child Sexual Assault Case

**Allahabad, India** – The Allahabad High Court has revised the charges against two men accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh. Initially charged with rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 18 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Pawan and Akash will now face trial under Section 354-B IPC (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe) and Sections 9/10 of the POCSO Act (aggravated sexual assault).

The incident, which occurred in 2021, involved the accused offering the girl a lift before grabbing her breasts, tearing her pajama string, and attempting to drag her under a culvert. Passersby intervened, causing the accused to flee.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, determined that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to support the original rape charges. The court reasoned that the actions, while constituting aggravated sexual assault, did not go beyond the stage of preparation for rape. The court noted the lack of evidence suggesting the accused intended penetrative sexual assault or that the victim was completely undressed as a result of their actions.

A third accused, Ashok (Pawan’s father), who allegedly threatened the victim’s family after the incident, will face charges under Sections 504 and 506 of the IPC for criminal intimidation and insult. The High Court’s decision emphasizes the need for clear evidence to establish the intent required for rape charges, highlighting the distinction between preparation and attempted rape.

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