Prayagraj, August 18: The Allahabad High Court has acquitted Ankit Punia, who was previously convicted in the rape and murder case of a hundred-year-old woman. The High Court overturned the Meerut trial court’s life imprisonment sentence, citing a lack of evidence.
The trial court had sentenced Punia to life imprisonment on November 20, 2020, after finding him guilty of raping and murdering the elderly woman. The case, filed on October 29, 2017, involved charges under various sections, including rape and the SC/ST Act. The woman died in the hospital following the incident, leading to additional charges of murder.
The High Court, comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Gautam Chaudhary, found the prosecution’s evidence insufficient. The court noted discrepancies in eyewitness testimonies and the absence of corroborative medical evidence. The medical report did not confirm rape or show any signs of injury on the victim.
Punia’s defense argued that the case was fabricated. They claimed that the victim had borrowed money from Punia, and the false charges were meant to avoid repayment and secure financial aid. The forensic report supported the defense, finding no evidence of rape.
After reviewing the arguments and evidence, the High Court agreed that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond doubt. The court accepted Punia’s appeal, leading to his acquittal.
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