A Delhi court has summoned BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on a woman’s complaint alleging rape and criminal intimidation. The court has summoned Hussain to appear before it on October 20 in connection with the charges.
The FIR was filed based on a complaint from a woman who accused Hussain of rape and criminal intimidation, among other offenses. Following the investigation, the Delhi Police submitted a cancellation report, asserting that no case had been established. In response, the complainant filed a protest petition opposing the cancellation report.
READ MORE: Tales of turmoil: 21 movies about terrorism amid Israel-Palestine conflict
The court underscored the gravity of the allegations, stating, “Here is a woman before the court who is stating before the police and before the court, repeatedly, that she has been raped by being intoxicated.” The court maintained that unless the vnvestigating officer presents evidence to negate the possibility of rape, there is no basis to dismiss the case outright.
Rejecting the Delhi Police’s cancellation report, the court asserted its independence to evaluate the evidence. It highlighted that the court can independently assess the material on which the probe agency concluded that no offense had occurred and, based on the same material, determine that the offense is prima facie established.
READ MORE: Controversy erupts as BLM Chicago appears to back Hamas attack on Israel
Moreover, the court recognised that the credibility of the complainant and the truthfulness of her claims would be scrutinised during the trial, particularly under cross-examination by the accused. In light of the material on record, including the complainant’s statement under Section 164 of Cr.P.C. supporting her allegations of rape and threats by Shahnawaz Hussain, the court, under the powers vested in it by Section 190(1)(b) of Cr.P.C., has taken cognisance of offenses under Sections 376/328/506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).