High Court Upholds Conviction in Child Sexual Abuse Case

The Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court dismissed an appeal by Sajad Ahmad Bhat, challenging his conviction for attempting to rape a minor. The court approved the original four-year imprisonment sentence, rejecting arguments about evidence flaws and witness contradictions. The appeal was deemed without merit.

The Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court has dismissed an appeal by Sajad Ahmad Bhat, who challenged his conviction in a sexual abuse case involving a minor. The court, under Justice Sanjay Dhar, upheld the February 22 judgment by Additional Sessions Judge, Kulgam.

Bhat was convicted under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the Ranbir Penal Code and sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000. However, Bhat argued that the conviction was based on incorrect appreciation of evidence and highlighted contradictions in witness statements and lack of supporting medical evidence.

The high court found sufficient evidence of sexual misconduct, noting that the appellant had minor injuries and semen traces were discovered on the victim. The court concluded the evidence showed a clear attempt to rape, thwarted only by timely intervention. The court commended the trial court's judgment and dismissed the appeal, affirming the sentence.

(With inputs from agencies.)