High Court Rejects Defence of False Implication in POCSO Case: ‘Victim’s Testimony and Medical Evidence Unshakeable

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has upheld the life imprisonment sentence of Kondelu Krupa Rao, convicted of heinous crimes under the POCSO Act. The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Justices K Suresh Reddy and K Sreenivasa Reddy, emphasized the irrefutable evidence provided by the victims’ testimonies and medical reports, leaving no room for doubt regarding the appellant’s guilt. 

Facts of the Case: The case originated from an incident on December 20, 2014, when the accused, Kondelu Krupa Rao, lured two minor girls, aged 7 years, under the pretext of buying them eatables. He then took them to a secluded area near Beach Road, Suryaraopeta, and committed aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The girls were later found with severe injuries and were taken to the Government General Hospital, Kakinada. The case was registered under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act, leading to the accused’s conviction and life imprisonment by the Special Sessions Judge, East Godavari at Rajahmundry. 

Court Observations and Views: Credibility of Medical Evidence: The court underscored the critical role of medical evidence in confirming the allegations. “The medical reports corroborate the victim’s testimonies, providing objective evidence of the assault,” the bench stated. Dr. P.W.13’s testimony, detailing the severe injuries sustained by the victims, was pivotal in substantiating the prosecution’s case. 

Victim Testimonies: The bench noted the consistent and unwavering testimonies of the victims, P.W.2 and P.W.3, despite their tender ages. “Their accounts were clear, detailed, and corroborated by physical evidence,” observed the judges. The court dismissed the defense’s argument regarding the lack of an identification parade, highlighting that the victims’ prior acquaintance with the accused made such a procedure unnecessary. 

Legal Reasoning: The judgment elaborated on the principles of evidence evaluation in sexual violence cases. “A conviction can rest on the sole testimony of the victim if it is credible and reliable,” the court reiterated. The consistency between the victims’ accounts and the medical evidence rendered the defense’s theory implausible. 

Quotes from the Judgment: Justice K. Sreenivasa Reddy remarked, “The evidence on record leaves no room for doubt about the occurrence of the crime. The medical corroboration significantly enhances the credibility of the victims’ testimonies.” 

Conclusion: The High Court’s decision reaffirms the lower court’s judgment, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to stringent punishment in cases of sexual violence against minors. This ruling is expected to reinforce the legal framework protecting children and ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are duly punished. 

Kondelu Krupa Rao vs. The State of Andhra Pradesh 

Date of Decision: July 31, 2024