Victim’s return makes case strong

With the 55-year-old woman who was allegedly raped by Abhishek Kasliwal, scion of Shreeram Mills, being located after three years, the legal fraternity felt the prosecution’s case would be much stronger.

With the 55-year-old woman who was allegedly raped by Abhishek Kasliwal, scion of Shreeram Mills, being located after three years, the legal fraternity felt the prosecution’s case would be much stronger.

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The alleged rape took place in March 2006 and a chargesheet was filed three months later. However, since the first first day of the trial — March 24, 2008 — the police have sought adjournments in the case as the victim remained untraceable.

The courts had reprimanded the police for not being able to trace the victim for two years. “If the victim deposes in court on oath, it is a major evidence for the prosecution,” said Special Public Prosecutor Rohini Salian.

She said the victim would have to stick to the statement she had given to the police.

The victim will be produced in court on June 17.

Advocate Sudeep Pasbola reiterated the view. “In any rape case, the most important and material evidence is the testimony of the prosecutrix. But the victim should stand by her statement,” said Pasbola.

However, Senior Police Inspector of Worli police station Bharat Worlikar has denied tracing the victim.

On Thursday, however, police sources said the victim had been traced and was kept at an undisclosed location.

“We hope she will be located by June 8,” said Worlikar.