STATE OF J&K Vs. BELI RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Acquittal Appeal has been directed against the judgment dtd. 30/1/2016 delivered by learned Principal Sessions Judge, Udhampur (hereinafter referred to as 'the trial court') in Crime No. 100/2012 of Police Station Udhampur in File No. 22/Session, vide which respondents have been acquitted of the charges.

(2.) Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that the prosecutrix (name withheld) lodged a written report in Police Station Udhampur alleging inter alia that respondents/accused Beli Ram, Pinky Devi, Shahnaz, Seema Devi and Subash Chander were running brothels in different parts of Udhampur with the aid and assistance of other accused persons. The allegation of the prosecutrix is that while she was living in the house of her aunt near Housing Colony, Udhampur for studies, she was trapped by her neighbourer namely, Pinky Devi (the respondent). One Shahnaz alias Rozy and respondent-Seema Devi resident of Dhar Road used to visit Pinky and son of Beli Ram also used to come there. The prosecutrix further alleged that about one and a half years ago, respondent-Pinky took her to the house of Rozy where Beli Ram was present and both of them forced her to satisfy their friend Rozy. She was locked in a room of Rozy. Beli Ram blackmailed to defame her. Thereafter, she was taken to the house of respondent-Seema Devi at Dhar Road. Seema had taken a room on rent for flesh-trade where girls use to be called and submitted to the customers. It is allegation of the prosecutrix that she was also pushed to the flesh-trade and an amount of Rs.1,000.00 used to be charged from the customers, out of which the said women (Seema and Shahnaz alias Rozy) would keep Rs.500.00 and Rs.500.00 was paid to her. According to the prosecutrix, Pinky, Shahnaz and Seema were running brothels at Shiv Nagar and Dhar Road where innocent young girls used to be trapped, deceived and pushed to the flesh-trade. Some males including Beli Ram and Boby, husband of Seema were also involved in the said trade. The prosecutrix further goes on to alleges that on 2/6/2012 while she was returning home after paying obeisance, in Kali Mata Temple at Rambal, accused Pinky and Beli Ram instead of alighting her from their Maruti Car bearing No. JK14A-5343 at Morda Morh, forced her for prostitution and while they were about to take her to the house of Seema for some customers, she dissuaded them and jumped out of the running car.

(3.) On the receipt of this report, the police agency, swung into action, registered the FIR and the investigation came into vogue.