J.S Khehar, J.— A complaint was lodged at Navrangpura Police Station, Ahmedabad, alleging the kidnapping/abduction of a six year old girl child, Gomi, daughter of Keshabhai Mathabhai Solanki and Laliben, on 27-2-2003 at around 6.00 p.m by the accused, Kishanbhai, son of Velabhai Vanabhai Marwadi. It was alleged that the accused had enticed Gomi with a “gola” (crushed ice, with sweet flavoured syrup), and thereupon had taken her to Jivi's field, where he raped her. He had murdered her by inflicting injuries on her head and other parts of the body with bricks. In order to steal the “jhanjris” (anklets) worn by her, he had chopped off her feet just above her ankles. The aforesaid complaint was lodged after the body of the deceased Gomi was found from Jivi's field at the instance of the accused Kishanbhai. On receipt of the above complaint, the first information report came to be registered at Navrangpura Police Station, Ahmedabad.
2. The prosecution version which emerged consequent upon the completion of the investigation reveals, that the family of the deceased Gomi was distantly related to the family of the accused Kishanbhai. In this behalf it would be pertinent to mention that Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki was a resident of Gulbai Tekra, in the Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad. He resided there along with his family. For his livelihood, Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki was running a shop in the name of Mahakali Pan Centre. The said shop was located near his residence. Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki was running the business of selling “pan and bidi” in his shop. Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, father of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki used to live in the peon's quarters at Ambavadi in Ahmedabad. Modabhai Manabhai Solanki, uncle of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, had expired. His son Devabhai's daughter Laliben, was married to Keshabhai Mathabhai Solanki. Keshabhai Mathabhai Solanki and Laliben were residing at Shabamukhiwas, Gulbai Tekra in Ahmedabad. Keshabhai Mathabhai Solanki and Laliben had two children, a daughter Gomi aged six years, and a son Himat aged three years. Laliben's sister-in-law (her husband's elder brother's wife), Fuliben Valabhai was residing near the residence of Keshabhai Mathabhai Solanki and Laliben. Kishanbhai, the accused, is the brother of Fuliben, and was residing with her. It is therefore, that the family of the deceased as also the accused, besides being distantly related, were acquainted with one another as they were residing close to one another.
3. Insofar as the occurrence is concerned, according to the prosecution, on 27-2-2003 Laliben, niece of Baghabhai, was confined to her residence, as she was expecting. At about 6.00 p.m her daughter Gomi, then aged 6 years, had wandered out of her house. The accused Kishanbhai then aged 19 years, enticed her by giving her a “gola”. Having enticed her he had carried Gomi to Jivi's field. On the way to Jivi's field, he stole a knife with an 8 inch blade from Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, a “dabeli” (bread/bun with spiced potato filling) seller. Having taken Gomi to Jivi's field he had raped her. He had then killed her by causing injuries on her head and other parts of the body with bricks. In order to remove the “jhanjris” worn by her, he had amputated her legs with the knife stolen by him, from just above her ankles. He had then covered her body with his shirt, and had left Jivi's field. Kishanbhai, the accused, then took the anklets stolen by him to Mahavir Jewellers, a shop owned by Premchand Shankerlal. He pledged the anklets at the above shop for a sum of Rs 1000. The accused Kishanbhai was confronted by Baghabhai and others constituting the search party, whilst he was on his way back to his residence. Kishanbhai, despite stating that he had not taken her away, had informed those searching for Gomi, that she could be at Jivi's field. On the suggestion of Kishanbhai, the search party had gone to Jivi's farm, where they found the body of Gomi.
4. Based on the aforesaid fact situation, confirmed through the investigation carried on by the police, a charge-sheet was framed against the accused Kishanbhai under Sections 363, 369, 376, 394, 302 and 201 of the Penal Code, 1860 and Section 135(1) of the Bombay Police Act. The above charge-sheet was filed before the Metropolitan Magistrate, Ahmedabad. Since the offences involved could be tried only by a Court of Session, the Metropolitan Magistrate committed the matter to the Court of Session. On 8-3-2004 the Sessions Court to which the matter came to be assigned for trial, framed charges. Since the accused Kishanbhai denied his involvement in the matter, the court permitted the prosecution to lead evidence.
5. The prosecution examined 14 witnesses. The statement of the accused Kishanbhai was thereafter recorded under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In his above statement, the accused Kishanbhai denied his involvement. Even though an opportunity was afforded to Kishanbhai, he did not lead any evidence in his defence. After examining the evidence produced by the prosecution, the trial court vide its judgment dated 18-8-2004, arrived at the conclusion that prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. By a separate order dated 18-8-2004 the trial court sentenced Kishanbhai to death by hanging, subject to confirmation of the said sentence by the High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad (hereinafter referred to as “the High Court”) under Section 366 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
6. In the above view of the matter, the proceedings conducted by the Court of Session were placed before the High Court at the behest of the State of Gujarat as Confirmation Case No. 7 of 2004. Independently of the confirmation proceedings, the accused Kishanbhai, aggrieved by the judgment and order of sentence dated 18-8-2004, in Sessions Case No. 346 of 2003, filed Criminal Appeal No. 1549 of 2004 before the High Court.
7. The criminal appeal filed by the accused Kishanbhai was accepted by the High Court. Kishanbhai was acquitted by giving him the benefit of doubt. Confirmation Case No. 7 of 2004 was turned down in view of the judgment of acquittal rendered by the High Court while allowing Criminal Appeal No. 1549 of 2004.
8. Dissatisfied with the order passed by the High Court, the State of Gujarat approached this Court by filing Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No. 599 of 2006. On 11-9-2008 leave to appeal was granted. Thereupon, the matter came to be registered as Criminal Appeal No. 1485 of 2008.
9. Before this Court, the learned counsel for the appellant State, in order to substantiate the guilt of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, has tried to project that the prosecution was successful in demonstrating an unbroken chain of circumstances, clearly establishing the culpability of the accused. In fact, the endeavour at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant was to project an unbroken chain of circumstances to establish the guilt of the accused. Despite the defects in investigation and the prosecution of the case, as also the inconsistencies highlighted by the High Court in the evidence produced by the prosecution, the learned counsel for the State expressed confidence to establish the guilt of the respondent-accused.
10. In this behalf, it is essential to record the various heads under which submissions were advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant State. We shall, therefore, briefly summarise all the contentions, and while doing so, refer to the evidence brought to our notice by the learned counsel for the appellant, to establish the guilt of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. The submissions advanced before us are accordingly being recorded hereunder:
10.1 First and foremost, the learned counsel for the appellant, in order to connect the accused with the crime under reference, extensively relied upon the evidence produced by the prosecution to show that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was last seen with the victim:
10.1.1 The appellant was seen taking away the victim Gomi. For the above, reliance was placed on the statement of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, who had deposed that he had seen the deceased Gomi with the respondent-accused Kishanbhai on 27-2-2003 at around 6.00 p.m As per his deposition, he had seen Gomi eating a “gola” outside his (the witness's) residence. At the same juncture, he had also seen the respondent-accused Kishanbhai coming from the side of the Polytechnic. Kishanbhai, according to the deposition of PW 5, had approached Gomi. Thereafter, as per the statement of PW 5, the accused had carried away Gomi towards the side of the Polytechnic.
10.1.2 In his testimony, Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5 had also stated that at about 9.00 p.m, when he had again seen the respondent-accused Kishanbhai coming from the road leading to Gulbai Tekra Police Chowki, he was asked by those who were searching for Gomi about her whereabouts. The accused was also asked about the whereabouts of Gomi by Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5 and by the son of PW 5 i.e by Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2. To the aforesaid queries, according to Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had stated, that she might be sitting in Jivi's field.
10.2 In addition to the testimony of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, reference was also made to the testimony of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6. PW 6, during his deposition, had asserted that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had come to his “lari” (handcart used by hawkers to sell their products) for purchasing a “dabeli”. It was pointed out by Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, that he had noticed the accused carrying a child aged about seven years, wearing a red frock. In his statement he also affirmed that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had asked him for a knife but he had declined to give it to him. Thereupon, whilst leaving his “lari”, Kishanbhai had stolen a knife from his “lari”. It was also pointed out that the knife recovered at the instance of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was identified by PW 6 as the one stolen from his “lari”.
10.3 According to the learned counsel for the appellant, the last seen evidence referred to above stands duly corroborated by the deposition of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, not only in his deposition before the trial court, but also in the complaint filed by him at the first instance at Navrangpura Police Station, Ahmedabad, immediately after the recovery of the dead body of Gomi from Jivi's field.
10.4 The learned counsel for the appellant also laid emphasis on the recovery of the weapon of offence i.e a bloodstained knife, at the instance of none other than the respondent-accused Kishanbhai himself. In order to substantiate the instant aspect of the matter, the learned counsel placed reliance on the testimony of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, who deposed that the accused had visited his “lari” on the evening of 27-2-2003 for the purchase of a “dabeli”. The respondent-accused, as noticed earlier, as per the statement of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, was carrying a small girl aged about 7 years. He also deposed that the respondent-accused had asked him for his knife, but upon his refusal, had stolen the same from his “lari”. Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, had identified the knife which had been recovered at the instance of the accused, as the one stolen by the respondent-accused Kishanbhai from his “lari”.
10.5 Additionally it was submitted, that the accused had led the police to Jivi's field, from where he recovered the murder weapon i.e the same knife which he had stolen from the “lari” of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6. The above knife had a blade measuring eight inches, including a steel handle of four inches. At the time of recovery of the knife, the same had stains of blood. The above knife was recovered by the police on 1-3-2003, in the presence of an independent witness, namely, Rameshbhai Lakhabhai Bhati, PW 1, who in his deposition clearly narrated that the knife in question was recovered from Jivi's field from under some stones at the instance of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai.
10.6 The learned counsel for the appellant then referred to the medical evidence produced by the prosecution, so as to contend that the wounds inflicted on the person of Gomi were with the murder weapon i.e the knife recovered at the instance of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. For this, the learned counsel placed reliance on the statement of Dr Saumil Premchandbhai Merchant, PW 8, who had conducted the post-mortem examination of the deceased Gomi on 28-2-2003. In the post-mortem report, according to the learned counsel, mention was made about several incised injuries which could have been inflicted with the knife stolen by the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. In this respect, reference was made to Sl. No. 14 of the post-mortem notes (Ext. 29) proved by Dr Saumil Premchandbhai Merchant, PW 8, clearly indicating, that the injuries caused to the victim which have been referred to at Sl. No. 7, could have been caused with the knife (muddamal Article 19) i.e the same knife, which had been recovered at the instance of the accused. Even in the inquest panchnama (Ext. 14), it was recorded that both the legs of the victim Gomi were mutated from just above the ankle with a sharp weapon, with the object of removing the anklets in the feet of the victim Gomi. This document, according to the learned counsel, also indicates the use of a knife in the occurrence under reference.
10.7 It was also the submission of the learned counsel for the appellant, that at the time of recovery of the body of the victim from Jivi's field, the same was found to be covered with a shirt with stripes. It was submitted that the aforesaid shirt was identified as the shirt worn by the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, when he was seen carrying away the victim Gomi on 27-2-2003. In this behalf, reliance was placed by the learned counsel for the appellant on the testimony of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5. The above witnesses had identified the shirt as a white shirt with lines. To give credence to the testimony of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, the learned counsel also pointed out that when the accused was found coming from the direction of the police station after the commission of the crime, he was seen wearing a black T-shirt. The statement of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, was sought to be corroborated with the statement of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6. The respondent-accused is stated to have approached the “lari” of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 for purchasing a “dabeli”, and at that juncture, the respondent-accused is stated to have been wearing a white lined shirt, and green trousers. On the recovery of the shirt and trousers, they were marked as mudammal Articles 8 and 14 respectively. Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 had identified the shirt, as also, the trousers during the course of his deposition before the trial court. The green trousers worn by the respondent-accused were also identified by Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2. Additionally, Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 deposed that a black colour T-shirt was worn by the respondent-accused when he was apprehended and brought to the police station. The above articles were also identified by Angha Lalabhai Marwadi, PW 12 and Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13 who were the panch witnesses at the time of seizure of the abovementioned clothing.
10.8 It was also the submission of the learned counsel for the appellant, that the report of the forensic science laboratory was sufficient to confirm that the respondent-accused was the one who was involved in the commission of the crime under reference. In this behalf, it was pointed out that the victim Gomi was shown to have Blood Group “B+ve”. According to the report of the forensic science laboratory, the bricks recovered from the place of occurrence (which had been used in causing injuries on the head and other body parts of the victim), the panties worn by the deceased victim Gomi, the white shirt which was found on the body of the victim at the time of its recovery from Jivi's field, the T-shirt and the green trousers worn by the respondent-accused Kishanbhai (at the time he was apprehended), and even the weapon of the crime, namely, the knife recovered at the instance of the respondent-accused, were all found with bloodstains. The forensic report reveals that the bloodstains on all the above articles were of Blood Group “B+ve”. It was, therefore, the submission of the learned counsel for the appellant, that the respondent-accused was unmistakably shown to be connected with the crime under reference.
10.9 In order to substantiate the motive of the respondent-accused, the learned counsel for the appellant relied upon the statement of the Investigating Officer, Ranchhodji Bhojrajji Chauhan, PW 14, who had stated in his deposition that the owner of Mahavir Jewellers i.e Premchand Shankarlal Mehta had presented himself at the police station. The abovementioned jeweller is stated to have informed the police, that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had pawned the anklets belonging to the victim Gomi with him for a sum of Rs 1000. Insofar as the identification of the anklets is concerned, reference was made to the statement of Keshobhai Madanbhai Solanki, PW 7 i.e father of the victim who had identified the anklets marked as muddamal Article 18, as belonging to his daughter Gomi, which she was wearing when she had gone missing. Reference was also made to the statement of Jagdishbhai Bhagabhai Marwadi, PW 11 as also the panchnama of recovery of the silver anklets which also, according to the learned counsel, connects the accused to the crime.
10.10 Last but not the least, the learned counsel for the appellant invited this Court's attention to the statement tendered by the accused under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. During the course of his above testimony, he was confronted with the evidence of the relevant witnesses depicting that the victim Gomi was last seen in his company at 6.00 p.m on 27-2-2003. He was also confronted with the fact that he himself had informed the search party that Gomi may be found at Jivi's field. It is submitted that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, who had special knowledge about the whereabouts of the deceased, was bound to explain and prove when and where he had parted from the company of the victim Gomi. It was submitted that during the course of his deposition under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the accused could not tender any satisfactory explanation.
10.11 Based on the above evidence, it was the submission of the learned counsel for the appellant, that even in the absence of any eyewitness account, the prosecution should be held to have been successful in establishing the guilt of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai through circumstantial evidence. The claim of circumstantial evidence emerging from different witnesses summarised above, according to the learned counsel, leads to one and only one conclusion, namely, that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai alone had committed the criminal acts under reference. It was submitted that the chain of circumstantial evidence was sufficient to establish that none other than the respondent-accused could have committed the alleged criminal actions. It was also contended that no link in the chain of circumstantial evidence was missing, so as to render any ambiguity in the matter.
11. We have heard the learned counsel for the parties. To determine the controversy arising out of the instant criminal appeal, we shall first endeavour to summarise the conclusions drawn by the High Court under different heads. We have decided to adopt the above procedure to understand the implications of various aspects of the evidence produced by the prosecution before the trial court. This procedure has been adopted by us (even though the same was neither adopted by the trial court, nor by the High Court) so as to effectively understand, and thereupon, to adequately deal with the contentions advanced at the hands of the appellant, before this Court.
12. We would first of all like to deal with the lapses committed by the investigating and prosecuting agencies in the process of establishing the guilt of the accused before the trial court. It will be relevant to mention that all these lacunae/deficiencies, during the course of investigation and prosecution, were pointed out by the High Court in the impugned judgment. These constitute relevant aspects, which are liable to be taken into consideration while examining the evidence relied upon by the prosecution. We have summarised the aforesaid lapses, pointedly to enable us to correctly deal with the submissions advanced at the behest of the State. Since the guilt of the accused in the instant case is to be based on circumstantial evidence, it is essential for us to determine whether or not a complete chain of events stands established from the evidence produced by the prosecution. The above deficiencies and shortcomings are being summarised below:
12.1 According to the prosecution story, after having removed the anklets from Gomi's feet, the accused Kishanbai had taken the anklets to Mahavir Jewellers, a shop owned by Premchand Shankerlal. He pledged the aforesaid anklets with Premchand Shankerlal for a sum of Rs 1000. The anklets under reference were handed over by Premchand Shankerlal to the investigating officer on 1-3-2003, in the presence of two panch witnesses. According to the prosecution case, the jeweller had gone to the police station with the anklets on his own, after having read newspaper reports to the effect that a girl had been raped and murdered and her anklets had been taken away. He had approached the police station under the suspicion that the anklets pledged with him might have belonged to the girl mentioned in the newspaper reports. One of the panch witnesses, namely, Jagdishbhai Marwari, PW 15 had deposed that the above Premchand Shankerlal had identified the accused Kishanbhai as the very person who had pledged the anklets with him. In this behalf it is relevant to mention that Premchand Shankerlal was not produced as a prosecution witness. It is important to notice, that the anklets handed over to the police, were successfully established by the prosecution as the ones worn by the deceased Gomi. The lapse of the prosecution on account of not producing Premchand Shankerlal as prosecution witness, according to the High Court, resulted in a missing link in the chain of events which would have established the link of the accused Kishanbhai, with the anklets, and thereby convulsively connecting him with the crime.
12.2 The prosecution story further discloses, that Premchand Shankerlal, the owner of Mahavir Jewellers, had executed a receipt with the accused Kishanbhai, depicting the pledging of the anklets for a sum of Rs 1000. The aforesaid receipt was placed on record of the trial court as Ext. 52. The above receipt according to Premchand Shankerlal, was thumb-marked by the accused Kishanbhai. Even though the receipt indicates the name of the person who had pledged the anklets as Rajubhai, the same could clearly be a false name given by the person who pledged the anklets. Certainly, there could be no mistake in the identity of the thumb mark affixed on the said receipt. The prosecution could have easily established the identity of the pledger, by comparing the thumb impression on the receipt (Ext. 52), with the thumb impression of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. This was however not done. The lapse committed by the prosecution in not producing Premchand Shankerlal as a witness, could have easily been overcome by proving the identity of the person who had pledged the anklets, by identifying the thumb impression on the receipt (Ext. 52), in accordance with law. In case the thumb impression turned out to be that of the accused Kishanbhai, he would be unmistakably linked with the crime. In case it was found not to be the thumb impression of the accused Kishanbhai, his innocence could also have been inferred. According to the High Court this important lapse in proving the prosecution case before the trial court, had resulted in a major obstacle in establishing the guilt/innocence of the accused.
12.3 It is also the case of the prosecution, that when the accused Kishanbhai was apprehended, a sum of Rs 940 was recovered from his possession. According to the prosecution story the accused Kishanbhai had pledged the anklets at Mahavir Jewellers with Premchand Shankerlal for a sum of Rs 1000. In order to link the money recovered from his possession at the time of his detention, it was imperative for the prosecution to establish how and why a sum of Rs 940 only was recovered from the possession of the accused Kishanbhai. He ought to have been in possession of at least Rs 1000 i.e the amount given to him by Premchand Shankerlal when he pledged the anklets at his shop, even if it is assumed that he had no money with him when he had pawned the anklets. This important link not having been established by the prosecution, breaks the chain of events necessary to establish the guilt of the accused Kishanbhai, and constitutes a serious lapse in the prosecution evidence.
12.4 It is apparent from the prosecution story, that the victim Gomi was raped. In establishing the factum of the rape the prosecution had relied upon the note prepared at the time of conducting the post-mortem examination of the deceased Gomi. The same inter alia reveals, that dry blood was present over the labia, and deep laceration of subcutaneous tissues was present on the left margin of the vaginal opening, just above the posterior commissure. The hymen was also found ruptured at 3 and 6 o'clock. It is therefore, that the accused was deputed for being subjected to medical examination during the course of investigation. For the above purpose he was examined by Dr P.D Shah. In fact Dr P.D Shah was a cited witness before the trial court. Despite the above Dr P.D Shah was not examined as a prosecution witness. Clearly a vital link in the chain of events, to establish the rape of the victim Gomi came to be broken consequent upon the non-examination of Dr P.D Shah as a prosecution witness.
12.5 The High Court has also noticed, that even the report/certificate given by the medical officer relating to the medical examination of the accused Kishanbhai was not produced by the prosecution before the trial court. It is apparent, that the lapse in not producing Dr P.D Shah as a prosecution witness, may have been overcome if the report prepared by him (after examining the accused Kishanbhai) was placed on the record of the trial court, after being proved in accordance with law. The action of the prosecution in not producing the aforesaid report before the trial court, was another serious lapse in proving the case before the trial court. This had also resulted in the missing of a vital link, in the chain of events which could have established, whether or not accused Kishanbhai had committed rape on victim Gomi.
12.6 The High Court having noticed the injuries suffered by Gomi, a six year old girl child on her genitals, had expressed the view, that the same would have resulted in reciprocal injuries to the male organ of the person who had committed rape on her. It was pointed out that if the accused Kishanbhai had been sent for medical examination the testimony or the report of the medical officer would have revealed the presence of smegma around the corona glandis, which would have either established innocence or guilt of the accused, especially if the accused had been medically examined within 24 hours. In the instant case the sequence of the events reveal, that the occurrence had been committed between 6.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m on 27-2-2003. At the time of recovery of the body of deceased Gomi from Jivi's field, at about 9.00 p.m, it came to be believed that she had been subjected to rape. The accused Kishanbhai was shown to have been formally arrested at 6.40 a.m on 28-2-2003 (even if the inference drawn by the High Court, that the accused Kishanbhai was in police custody since 9.00 p.m on 27-2-2003 itself, is ignored). The accused could have been medically examined within a period of 24 hours of the occurrence. The prosecution case does not show whether or not such action was taken. This lapse in the investigation of the case, had also resulted in the omission of a vital link in the chain of events which would have unquestionably established the guilt of the accused Kishanbhai of having committed rape (or possibly his innocence).
12.7 It needs to be noticed that when the accused Kishanbhai was arrested, there were several injuries on his person. The said injuries were also depicted in his arrest panchnama. At 7.15 a.m on 28-2-2003, the accused Kishanbhai filed a first information report alleging that he was beaten by some of the relatives of the victim Gomi, as also, by some unknown persons accompanying the search party, under the suspicion/belief, that he was responsible for the occurrence. In the above first information report the accused Kishanbhai had also depicted the nature of injuries suffered by him:
12.7.1 The statement of the Investigating Officer Ranchodji Bhojrajji Chauhan, PW 14 reveals that the accused Kishanbhai had been sent to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad for his medical examination. Neither the doctor who had examined the accused was produced as a prosecution witness, nor the report/certificate given by the medical officer disclosing the details of his observations/findings was placed on record. This evidence was vital for the success of the prosecution case.
12.7.2 According to the High Court, blood of Group “B+ve” was found on the clothes of the accused Kishanbhai. The important question to be determined thereupon was, whether it was his own blood or blood of the victim Gomi. The statement of the medical officer who had examined the accused Kishanbhai, when he was sent for medical examination to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, would have disclosed whether or not accused Kishanbhai had any bleeding injuries. The importance of nature of the injuries suffered by the accused Kishanbhai emerges from the fact that both the accused Kishanbhai and the victim Gomi had the same Blood Group “B+ve”. An inference could have only been drawn that the blood on his clothes was that of the victim, in case it was established that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had not suffered any bleeding injuries, and therefore, the possibility of his own blood being on his clothes was ruled out.
12.7.3 This important link in the chain of events is also missing from the evidence produced by the prosecution, and constitutes a serious lapse in the investigation/prosecution of the case.
12.7.4 In view of the above factual position, the High Court made the following observations:
“Looking to the advancement in the field of medical science, the investigating agency should not have stopped at this stage. Though ABO system of blood grouping is one of the most important system, which is being normally used for distinguishing blood of different persons, there are about 19 genetically determined blood grouping systems known to the present day science, and it is also known that there are about 200 different blood groups, which have been identified by the modern scientific methods (Source: Mc-Graw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, Vol. 2). Had such an effort been made by the prosecution, the outcome of the said effort would have helped a lot to the trial court in ascertaining whether the accused had in fact visited the scene of offence.”
This also constitutes a glaring lapse in the investigation of the crime under reference.
12.7.5 There has now been a great advancement in scientific investigation on the instant aspect of the matter. The investigating agency ought to have sought DNA profiling of the blood samples, which would have given a clear picture whether or not the blood of the victim Gomi was, in fact on the clothes of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. This scientific investigation would have unquestionably determined whether or not the respondent-accused was linked with the crime. Additionally, DNA profiling of the blood found on the knife used in the commission of the crime (which the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had allegedly stolen from Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6), would have uncontrovertibly determined, whether or not the said knife had been used for severing the legs of the victim Gomi, to remove her anklets.
12.7.6 In spite of so much advancement in the field of forensic science, the investigating agency seriously erred in not carrying out an effective investigation to genuinely determine the culpability of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai.
12.8 It is also apparent from the complaint submitted by Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, that he had been informed by one Kalabhai Ganeshbhai, that he had seen the accused Kishanbhai taking away Gomi. In such an event, the proof of the fact of the respondent-accused having abducted Gomi could have only been substantiated through the statement of Kalabhai Ganeshbhai who had allegedly actually seen the accused Kishanbhai taking her away. According to the High Court, for reasons best known to it, the prosecution did not produce Kalabhai Ganeshbhai as a witness. Even though according to the High Court the abovementioned Kalabhai Ganeshbhai was a resident in one of the peon quarters, and was also a government servant, the absence of the evidence of the above factual position, results in a deficiency in the confirmation of a factual position of substantial importance from the chain of events necessary for establishing the last seen evidence.
12.9 It is also apparent that there is no dispute about the recovery of a green bloodstained “dupatta” from the person of the victim. The green bloodstained “dupatta” (veil) was found by the medical officer while conducting the post-mortem examination on Gomi. The existence of the green “dupatta” was also duly mentioned in the post-mortem report. According to the High Court, none of the prosecution witnesses had referred to the factum of the victim having worn a green “dupatta”. According to the prosecution evidence, the deceased was wearing a red frock and panties, whereas, the accused was wearing a full sleeve white shirt and green trousers. According to the High Court, if neither the victim nor the accused had a green “dupatta”, a question would arise as to how the green bloodstained “dupatta” was found on the dead body of the victim. Even leading to the inference of the presence of a third party at the time of occurrence. The above omission in not explaining the presence of the green “dupatta”, has also been taken by the High Court, as a glaring omission at the hands of the prosecution in the process of investigation/prosecution of the charges levelled against the accused Kishanbhai.
12.10 While deposing before the trial court, Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, affirmed that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had approached his “lari” for the first time to purchase a “dabeli” on 27-2-2003. It is, therefore, apparent that Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 had not known the respondent-accused before 27-2-2003. In the above view of the matter, it was imperative for the investigating agency to hold a test identification parade in order to determine whether Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, had correctly identified the respondent-accused as the person who had come to his “lari” to purchase a “dabeli” on 27-2-2003. And also whether he was the same person, who had stolen a knife from his “lari” on 27-2-2003. This is also a serious deficiency in the investigation/prosecution of the case.
12.11 Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, the complainant in the present case, during the course of his examination-in-chief, observed as under:
“This incident occurred on 27-2-2003, on that day Lilaben came to my house for pregnancy. On the day of the incident at 6.00 o'clock in the evening I came to know that Gomiben, the daughter of Lilaben, is not found. Therefore, all our relatives started searching for her. We went to the quarter of my father, and inquired about Gomiben, my father told that I saw Gomiben with Lali's sister-in-law's brother Kishan, he gave ice-cream to Gomi. Therefore, we have searched in the quarters and other places. At around 8.00 o'clock in the night Kishan was coming from police station, we had started asking him, at that time along with me Shri Jagabhai Molabhai, Mohanbhai Molabhai, Hirabhai were present. This police chowky means Gulbai Tekra Police Chowky. He told me that I have left her at Jivivala field. Therefore, we went at the Jivivala field, at around 8.00 or 9.00 o'clock, we went there and we found Gomiben in dead condition, she had several injuries on her head and other parts of the body. She had been raped.”
From the above statement, it is apparent that Gomi was found missing for the first time at 6.00 p.m The search for her began immediately thereafter. The search party met the respondent-accused Kishanbhai coming from the side of the police station at 8.00 p.m All the prosecution witnesses have been equivocal about the fact that Gomi went missing at about 6.00 p.m i.e the time when she was last seen in the company of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, and thereafter, the search party met Kishanbhai at 8.00 p.m
12.11.1 In order to give credence to the prosecution version, it was imperative to establish that it was possible for the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, after having taken Gomi at 6.00 p.m, to have stopped at the “lari” of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, to purchase a “dabeli” from him. Thereupon, to have had time to steal his knife and the respondent-accused to proceed on with Gomi to Jivi's field. There ought to have been enough time for him thereafter to have raped her, then assaulted her with bricks on her head and other parts of the body leading to her death, and finally to cut her legs just above her ankles, to remove her anklets. He should thereupon have also had time to hide the knife used in the commission of the crime, under the stones. And thereafter further time, to have taken the anklets to Mahavir Jewellers so as to pawn the same with Premchand Shankarlal Mehta, as also, time to execute a receipt in token thereof. Over and above the above, he ought to have had time to visit his residence so as to be able to wear a fresh shirt i.e the shirt which he was wearing when he was detained. After all that, he should have had time to cover the area from Jivi's field to Premchand Shankarlal Mehta's shop and further on from the above shop to his residence and finally from his residence till the place where he was detained.
12.11.2 It is difficult to appreciate how all the activities depicted in the prosecution story could have been carried out from 6.00 p.m on 27-2-2003 to 8.00 p.m on the same day i.e all in all within a period of two hours. It is in the above context that the cross-examination of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, assumes significance. Relevant extract from his cross-examination is being reproduced hereunder:
“It is true that the accused was coming from police chowky at around 8.00 or 8.30 p.m as I was not wearing the watch I cannot say the exact time. It is true that it takes 15 to 20 minutes to go to Panjrapole from my quarters, and it will take 30 to 35 minutes to go to the field of Jivi. It is true that it will take half an hour to come to the office of BSNL through Jivi's field and C.N Vidhayalaya. It is true that from the Jivi's field towards Panjrapole and through Panjrapole main road towards BSNL office, by walking it will take 40 minutes. It is true that both the roads are public roads, and many people are passing through this road.”
(emphasis supplied)
Whether or not the above sequence of events could have taken place in the time referred to above, would have been easily overcome if the prosecution had placed on record a sketch map providing details with regard to the distance between different places. In that event, it would have become possible to determine whether the activities at different places, projected through the prosecution version of the incident were possible.
12.11.3 In the absence of any knowledge about the distance between the residence of the victim Gomi as well as that of the accused from the Polytechnic or from Jivi's field, it would be impossible to ascertain the questions which emerge from the cross-examination of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5. Had a sketch map been prepared or details with regard to the distance been given, the courts concerned would have been able to determine all that was alleged in the prosecution version of the incident. This deficiency in the prosecution evidence, must be construed as a serious infirmity in the matter.
13. We would now like to deal with the discrepancies found in the evidence produced by the prosecution before the trial court. We would also simultaneously summarise the effect of defences adopted on behalf of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. These aspects of the matter are also being summarised hereunder, so as to enable us to effectively deal with the submissions advanced at the behest of the State. These aspects of the matter are liable to be taken into consideration, to determine whether or not, a complete chain of events stands proved to establish the guilt of the respondent-accused. The above considerations are summarised hereunder:
13.1 The post-mortem report relied upon by the prosecution leaves no room for any doubt that injuries on the genitals of Gomi were post-mortem in nature. The question which arises for consideration is whether the injuries under reference had been inflicted on the victim first, and thereupon, rape was committed on the victim. It is natural to assume that the first act of aggression by the person who had committed assault on Gomi, was by inflicting injuries on her head and other parts of the body, only thereafter the legs just above the ankles, would have been cut (with the object of removing her anklets). It is not possible for us to contemplate that the legs of the deceased were cut whilst she was in her senses, is incomprehensible and therefore, most unlikely. Now, the question to be considered is, whether it was humanly possible for even the most perverted person, to have committed rape on a child who had been killed by causing injuries on her head and other parts of her body, and after her feet had been severed from her legs. We would have no hesitation by responding in the negative. The prosecution in the instant case apparently projected a version including an act of rape, which is impossible to accept on the touchstone of logic and common sense.
13.2 The evidence produced by the prosecution also reveals, that pubic hair of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had been examined by the Scientific Officer of the forensic science laboratory. The report submitted by the forensic science laboratory (Ext. 48) reveals that there was neither any semen nor any blood on the pubic hair of the accused. Reference to the possibility of there being blood on the pubic hair of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai emerges from the fact that the post-mortem report of the deceased revealed that there was blood on the vagina of the deceased. Whilst accusing the respondent Kishanbhai of the offence under Section 376 of the Penal Code, 1860, it was imperative for the prosecution to have kept in its mind the aforesaid aspects of the matter. Absence of semen or blood from the pubic hair of the respondent-accused, would prima facie exculpate him from the offence of rape.
13.3 According to the testimony of the complainant Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was wearing a white shirt at the time of occurrence. It is, therefore, when a white shirt was found covering the dead body of the victim Gomi, he had identified the same as the shirt which the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was wearing before the offence was committed. From the prosecution story, as it emerged from the statements of different witnesses, it is apparent that Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, had had no occasion to have seen the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, wearing the said white shirt. When Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, was questioned as to how he knew that the respondent-accused was wearing a white shirt, when he first saw the shirt covering the dead body of the victim, his response was, that he had been told about that by his father Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5. In the above view of the matter, the question arises whether the testimony of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 about the shirt referred to above was truthful. And whether his testimony can be described as fair and honest.
13.4 Additionally, when the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was arrested, the T-shirt worn by him was taken from him by recording a panchnama. The said T-shirt is available on the record of the trial court as Ext. 39. It is not a matter of dispute that the T-shirt (Ext. 39), worn by the respondent-accused Kishanbhai at the time of his arrest, is actually a white T-shirt with a trident design on it. But, as per the narration recorded by Baghabhai Naranbhai, PW 2, contained in the complaint which constituted the basis of registering the first information, it is mentioned that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was wearing a black T-shirt at the time of his detention. It is apparent from the factual position noticed hereinabove, that the factual position expressed by the complainant Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 was absolutely incorrect, and contrary to the factual position. In the above view of the matter, a question would arise, whether the deposition of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 was fair and honest.
13.5 According to the prosecution version of the incident, the search party met the respondent-accused Kishanbhai at about 8.00 p.m The said party had thereupon proceeded to Jivi's field, from where the dead body of the victim was recovered. According to Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, after finding the dead body, he had proceeded to the police station. At the police station, he had requested the police personnel to visit the site of occurrence. Simultaneously, Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5 had stated that when enquiries were being made from Kishanbhai, police personnel had taken away the respondent-accused. According to the testimony of Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, therefore, at the most, the respondent-accused must be deemed to have been taken into police custody from about 9.00 p.m on 27-2-2003. It is apparent, that the occurrence had come to the knowledge of a large number of persons constituting the search party, when the victim's body was found in Jivi's field. Even before that, the respondent-accused was already in police custody. As if, the police had already concluded on the guilt of Kishanbhai, even before the recovery of Gomi's body from Jivi's farm. Despite the above, the arrest of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was shown at 6.40 a.m on 28-2-2003. The detention of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai from 9.00 p.m on 27-2-2003 to 6.40 a.m on 28-2-2003, shows that the prosecution has not presented the case in the manner the events unfolded to the investigating agencies.
13.6 It also needs to be noticed, that the inquest panchnama, besides mentioning the amputation of the legs of the victim above her ankles, also records, that the silver anklets worn by Gomi were missing. In this behalf, it would also be relevant to mention, that even though the inquest panchnama was drawn at 00.30 a.m on 28-2-2003, the complaint resulting in the registration of the first information report was lodged by Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 at 3.05 a.m on 28-2-2003. It is strange that the inquest panchnama should be drawn before the registration of the first information report. It is also strange as to how while drawing the inquest panchnama, the panchas of the same could have recorded that after amputation of the victim's legs, her silver anklets had been taken away by the offender. There was no occasion for the panchas to have known that Gomi used to wear silver anklets. Accordingly, there was no occasion for them to have recorded that the silver anklets usually worn by Gomi had been taken away by the offender.
13.7 From the prosecution version (emerging from the evidence recorded before the trial court), it is apparent, that the search party, as also the relatives of the victim were aware at about 8.00 p.m on 27-2-2003 that Gomi had been murdered, with a possibility of her having been raped also, and her silver anklets had been stolen. Despite the above, no complaint whatsoever came to be filed in connection with the above occurrence at the police station on 27-2-2003, despite the close coordination between the search party and the police from 8.00 p.m onwards on 27-2-2003 itself. The complaint leading to the filing of the first information report was made at about 3.05 a.m on 28-2-2003. Not only is the delay of seven hours in the registration of the complaint not understandable, but the same is also rendered extremely suspicious, on the account of the fact that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai is acknowledged to be in police detention since 9.00 p.m on 27-2-2003 itself. This may be the result of fudging the time and date at which the victim Gomi went missing, as also, the time and date on which the body of the victim was discovered resulting in the discovery of the occurrence itself. The question which arises for consideration is, whether the investigating agency adopted the usual practice of padding so as to depict the occurrence in a manner different from the actual occurrence. A question also arises as to why it was necessary for the investigating agency to adopt the above practice, despite the fact that it was depicted as an open and shut case.
13.8 As noticed above from the statements of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 and Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5, it is apparent that the accused was detained by the police informally around 9.00 p.m on 27-2-2003. It is also essential to notice, that an acknowledgment was made to the above effect even by Sub-Inspector Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13, who had commenced investigation of the crime under reference. It is apparent that when Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2, had contacted him with details about the offence under reference, he had not recorded any entry in the station diary before leaving the police station. This constitutes a serious lapse in itself. In his cross-examination, he had affirmed that he was taken by Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2 i.e the complainant to the scene of occurrence. Having gone to the scene of occurrence, and having made on-the-spot investigation, he acknowledged having returned to the police station. In his statement, he accepted that when he had returned to the police station after visiting the site of occurrence, the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was already present at the police station. When questioned, he could not tender any explanation as to how the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had come to the police station. In his statement as a witness, he had expressed that for the first time he had seen the respondent-accused Kishanbhai only on 28-2-2003 at around 5.30 a.m Whereafter, the respondent-accused was formally arrested at 6.40 a.m The inconsistency between the statements made by the complainant (Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2) and his father (Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5) on the one hand, and by Sub-Inspector Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13 on the other, discloses a serious contradiction with respect to the time of the detention of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai. It needs to be noticed, that it was an aberration for Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13, to have left the police station without making an entry in the station diary. Why should a police officer, investigating a crime of such heinous nature, commit such a lapse? The fact that he did so, is not a matter of dispute. The truth of the matter is that Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13, did not make any note either in the station diary or in any other register; he did not take any informal complaint from the complainant, even though he had been apprised about the commission of an offence. It is therefore clear that Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13, had left the police station without making an entry depicting the purpose of his departure. All this further adds to the suspicion of the manner in which investigation of the matter was conducted.
13.9 So far as the statement of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 is concerned, he had supported the prosecution story by deposing that the accused had visited his “lari” with a small child, about seven years old. He had further asserted that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had purchased a “dabeli” from him. He had also testified that the respondent-accused had asked for a knife but he had refused to give it to him because, at the time when the respondent-accused had visited the “lari”, there were several customers waiting for purchasing “dabelis”. He further confirmed, that the respondent-accused had stolen a knife, used by him for cutting vegetables, from his “lari”. Another important aspect of the matter, out of the statement of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 is that he identified the shirt that the respondent-accused Kishanbhai was wearing at the time when he had visited his “lari” for purchasing a “dabeli” on 27-2-2003. He had also identified the red frock which the victim was wearing at the said juncture. Additionally, he identified the knife which the respondent-accused Kishanbhai had stolen from his “lari”.
13.9.1 The statement of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 was considered to be untrustworthy by the High Court, primarily for the reason that he could identify the shirt worn by the respondent-accused Kishanbhai when he had approached his “lari” for the purchase of a “dabeli”, at which juncture, the respondent-accused Kishanbhai may have remained at the “lari” at the most for 10 to 15 minutes, when there was a rush of customers. As against the above, he had remained with the respondent-accused Kishanbhai at Navrangpura Police Station, Ahmedabad, for approximately four hours. During the course of his cross-examination, he could not depose about the sort of shirt which the respondent-accused was wearing at Navrangpura Police Station, Ahmedabad.
13.9.2 It is, therefore, apparent that Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6 was deposing far in excess of what he remembered, and/or in excess of what was actually to his knowledge. He appears to be a tutored witness. This aspect of the matter also renders the testimony of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, suspicious.
13.10 There is yet another aspect of the controversy relating to Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6. The investigating agency became aware from the disclosure statement of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai tendered on 1-3-2003, that he had procured the weapon of offence by way of theft from the “lari” of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6. The above knife was recovered at the instance of the respondent-accused Kishanbhai on 1-3-2003, in the presence of panch witnesses. In the above view of the matter, in the ordinary course of investigation, it would have been imperative for the investigating agency to have immediately approached Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, to record his statement. His statement was extremely important for the simple reason that it would have connected the accused with the weapon with which the crime had been committed, as also with the victim. Despite the above, the investigating agency recorded the statement of Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, for the first time on 4-3-2003. No reason is forthcoming why his statement was not recorded either on 1-3-2003, or on the intervening dates before 4-3-2003. The inordinate delay by the investigating agency, in confirming the version of the respondent-accused, in respect of the weapon of the crime, renders the prosecution version suspicious. Such delay would not have taken place in the ordinary course of investigation. If there were good reasons for the delay, they ought to have been made known to the trial court by way of reliable evidence. This fact too raises a doubt about the correctness of the prosecution version of the incident.
13.11 The above discrepancies in the prosecution version, were duly noticed by the High Court. These constitute some of the glaring instances recorded in the impugned order. Other instances of contradiction were also noticed in the impugned order. It is not necessary for us to record all of them, since the above instances themselves are sufficient to draw some vitally important inferences. Some of the inferences drawn from the above are being noticed below. The prosecution case which mainly rests on the testimony of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2; Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5 and Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6, is unreliable because of the glaring inconsistencies in their statements. The testimony of the Investigating Officer Naranbhai Lalbhai Desai, PW 13 shows fudging and padding, making his deposition untrustworthy. In the absence of direct oral evidence, the prosecution case almost wholly rested on the abovementioned witnesses. It is for the above reasons, that the High Court through the impugned order, considered it just and appropriate to grant the respondent-accused Kishanbhai, the benefit of doubt.
14. The learned counsel for the appellant State, in order to support the submissions advanced before this Court in the present criminal appeal (which have been recorded in paras 9 and 10 hereinabove), with judicial precedent, placed reliance on a number of judgments rendered by this Court. We shall now summarise hereunder, the judgments relied upon, as also, the submissions of the learned counsel on the basis thereof:
14.1 Referring to the judgment rendered by this Court in Ram Prasad v. State of U.P (1974) 3 SCC 388, (1974) 1 SCR 650, it was asserted at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant, that non-examination of some of the eyewitnesses would not introduce a fatal infirmity to the prosecution case, especially when conviction could be based on evidence produced by the prosecution.
14.2 Reference was also made to Takhaji Hiraji v. Thakore Kubersing Chamansing (2001) 6 SCC 145, and it was pointed out that this Court has ruled that in cases where witnesses already examined were reliable, and the testimony coming from the mouth was unimpeachable, a court could safely act upon the same uninfluenced by the factum of non-examination of other witnesses. Yet again the conclusion was, that reliable evidence should be available, to determine the culpability of an accused, and in the above view of the matter it would be irrelevant whether some others who could have deposed on the facts in issue had not been examined.
14.3 Based on the judgment rendered in Laxman Naik v. State of Orissa (1994) 3 SCC 381, it was submitted that in a case relating to a seven year old child, who had been raped and murdered by her own uncle, relying upon incriminating evidence and testimony of witnesses, it came to be held that when circumstances form a complete chain of incidents, then the same is sufficient to establish, that the accused is the perpetrator of the crime and conviction can be based on the complete chain of circumstantial evidence.
14.4 Based on the judgment in State of Maharashtra v. Suresh (2000) 1 SCC 471, where a four year girl child was a victim of rape and murder, it was contended that this Court had held that it was open to a court to presume that the accused knew about the incriminating material or dead body due to his involvement in the alleged offence. When he discloses the location of such incriminating material without disclosing the manner in which he came to know of the same, the Court would presume that the accused knew about the incriminating material.
14.5 Relying on the judgment in Amar Singh v. Balwinder Singh (2003) 2 SCC 518, it was contended that where the prosecution case is fully established by the testimony of witnesses which stood corroborated by medical evidence, any failure or omission of the investigating officer could not be treated as sufficient to render the prosecution case doubtful or unworthy of belief. This determination leads to the same inference, namely, when reliable evidence to prove the guilt of an accused is available, lapses in investigation would not result in grant of the benefit of doubt to an accused.
14.6 Referring to State (Government of NCT Delhi) v. Sunil (2001) 1 SCC 652, it was asserted, that in a case where a child of four years was brutally raped and murdered and incriminating articles were recovered on the basis of the statement of the accused, the same could not be discarded on the technical ground that no independent witness was examined.
14.7 Referring to the judgment in Joseph v. State of Kerala (2000) 5 SCC 197, wherein, according to the learned counsel, it was held that where the circumstances proved form themselves into a complete chain unerringly pointing to the guilt of the appellant, then the same can be the basis of the conviction of the accused. This, according to the learned counsel, represents the manner of proving the guilt of an accused based on circumstantial evidence.
14.8 Based on the judgment in State of U.P v. Satish (2005) 3 SCC 114, it was contended that it could not be laid down as a rule of universal application that if there is any delay in examination of a particular witness, the prosecution version becomes suspect. Therefore, the facts surrounding the delay ought to be considered in every case to determine whether or not the testimony is rendered suspicious.
14.9 Relying on the judgment in Bishnu Prasad Sinha v. State of Assam (2007) 11 SCC 467, it was submitted, that in the above case where a child of 7-8 years was a victim of rape and murder, the grounds that the investigation was done in an improper manner did not render the entire prosecution case to be false. Namely, where reliable evidence is available, the same would determine the guilt of an accused.
14.10 Referring to the judgment in Aftab Ahmad Anasari v. State of Uttaranchal (2010) 2 SCC 583, it was asserted, that where a child of five years was a victim of rape and murder and the accused disclosed the location of the crime as also of the incriminating articles, the said disclosure was admissible and would constitute a complete chain in the circumstances. Further, according to the learned counsel, it was held that the inquest panchnama may not contain every detail and the absence of some details would not affect the veracity of the deposition made by witnesses. Needless to mention, that absence of vital links in the claim of circumstantial evidence would result in the exoneration of the accused.
14.11 Reliance was placed on Sambhu Das v. State of Assam (2010) 10 SCC 374 so as to contend that any discrepancy occurring in the inquest report or the post-mortem report could neither be fatal nor be termed as a suspicious circumstance as would warrant a benefit to the accused and the resultant dismissal of the prosecution case. Needless to add, that there should be sufficient independent evidence to establish the guilt of the accused.
14.12 Based on the judgment in Haresh Mohandas Rajput v. State of Maharashtra (2011) 12 SCC 56, it was contended, that in a case of murder and rape of a ten year old child, it was found that where the circumstances taken cumulatively led to the conclusion of guilt and no alternative explanation is given by the accused, the conviction ought to be upheld. This case reiterates that in a case based on circumstantial evidence the evidence should be such as would point to the inference of guilt of the accused alone and none others.
14.13 Relying on Rajendra Pralhadrao Wasnik v. State of Maharashtra (2012) 4 SCC 37, it was submitted that where a three year old child was a victim of rape and murder by the accused who lured her under the pretext of buying biscuits, circumstances showed the manner in which the trust/belief/relationship was violated resulting in affirming the death penalty imposed on the accused.
15. We have given our thoughtful consideration to the submissions advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant, which have been duly noticed in paras 9 and 10 hereinabove. It is also relevant for us to record that the learned counsel for the appellant did not advance a single submission in addition to the contentions we have noticed in paras 9 and 10 above. The submissions advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant, were sought to be supported by judgments rendered by this Court, all of which have been referred to in para 14 above. The submissions advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant, based on each of the judgments cited, have also been recorded by us in the said paragraph. Having considered the totality of the facts and circumstances of this case, specially the glaring lapses committed in the investigation and prosecution of the case (recorded in para 12 of the instant judgment), as also the inconsistencies in the evidence produced by the prosecution (summarised in para 13 hereinabove), we are of the considered view, that each one of the submissions advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant State is meritless.
16. For the circumstantial evidence produced by the prosecution, primary reliance has been placed on the statements of Baghabhai Naranbhai Solanki, PW 2; Naranbhai Manabhai Solanki, PW 5; and Dineshbhai Karsanbhai Thakore, PW 6. By demonstrating inconsistencies and infirmities in the statements of the above witnesses, their statements have also been rendered suspicious and accordingly unreliable. There is also a serious impression of fudging and padding at the hands of the agencies involved. As a matter of fact, the lack of truthfulness of the statements of witnesses has been demonstrated by means of simple logic emerging from the factual position expressed through different prosecution witnesses (summarised in paras 12 and 13 above). The evidence produced to prove the charges, has been systematically shattered, thereby demolishing the prosecution version. More than all that, is the non-production of evidence which the prosecution has unjustifiably withheld, resulting in dashing all the State's efforts to the ground. It is not necessary for us to record our detailed determination on the submissions advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the appellant, for such reasons clearly emerge from the factual position noticed in paras 12 and 13 hereinabove. Recording of reasons all over again would just be a matter of repetition. In view of the above, we find no merit in this appeal and the same is accordingly dismissed.
17. The investigating officials and the prosecutors involved in presenting this case have miserably failed in discharging their duties. They have been instrumental in denying to serve the cause of justice. The misery of the family of the victim Gomi has remained unredressed. The perpetrators of a horrendous crime, involving extremely ruthless and savage treatment to the victim, have remained unpunished. A heartless and merciless criminal, who has committed an extremely heinous crime, has gone scot-free. He must be walking around in Ahmedabad, or some other city/town in India, with his head held high. A criminal on the move. Fearless and fearsome. Fearless now, because he could not be administered the punishment he ought to have suffered. And fearsome, on account of his having remained unaffected by the brutal crime committed by him. His actions now, know of no barriers. He could be expected to act in an unfathomable savage manner, uncomprehendable to a sane mind.
18. As we discharge our responsibility in deciding the instant criminal appeal, we proceed to apply principles of law, and draw inferences. For, that is our job. We are trained, not to be swayed by mercy or compassion. We are trained to adjudicate without taking sides, and without being mindful of the consequences. We are required to adjudicate on the basis of well-drawn parameters. We have done all that. Despite thereof, we feel crestfallen, heartbroken and sorrowful. We could not serve the cause of justice to an innocent child. We could not even serve the cause of justice to her immediate family. The members of the family of Gomi must never have stopped cursing themselves, for not adequately protecting their child from a prowler, who had snatched an opportunity to brutalise her, during their lapse in attentiveness. And if the prosecution version about motive is correct, the crime was committed for a mere consideration of Rs 1000.
19. Every time there is an acquittal, the consequences are just the same, as have been noticed hereinabove. The purpose of justice has not been achieved. There is also another side to be taken into consideration. We have declared the respondent-accused innocent, by upholding the order of the High Court, giving him the benefit of doubt. He may be truly innocent, or he may have succeeded because of the lapses committed by the investigating/prosecuting teams. If he has escaped, despite being guilty, the investigating and the prosecution agencies must be deemed to have seriously messed it all up. And if the accused was wrongfully prosecuted, his suffering is unfathomable. Here also, the investigating and prosecuting agencies are blameworthy. It is therefore necessary, not to overlook even the hardship suffered by the accused, first during the trial of the case, and then at the appellate stages. An innocent person does not deserve to suffer the turmoil of a long-drawn litigation, spanning over a decade or more. The expenses incurred by an accused in his defence can dry up all his financial resources — ancestral or personal. Criminal litigation could also ordinarily involve financial borrowings. An accused can be expected to be under a financial debt, by the time his ordeal is over.
20. Numerous petitions are filed before this Court praying for anticipatory bail (under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) at the behest of persons apprehending arrest, or for bail (under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) at the behest of persons already under detention. In a large number of such petitions, the main contention is of false implication. Likewise, many petitions seeking quashing of criminal proceeding (filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) come up for hearing day after day, wherein also, the main contention is of fraudulent entanglement/involvement. In matters where prayers for anticipatory bail or for bail made under Sections 438 and 439 are denied, or where a quashing petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is declined, the person concerned may have to suffer periods of incarceration for different lengths of time. They suffer captivity and confinement most of the times (at least where they are accused of serious offences), till the culmination of their trial. In case of their conviction, they would continue in confinement during the appellate stages also, and in matters which reach the Supreme Court, till the disposal of their appeals by this Court. By the time they are acquitted at the appellate stage, they may have undergone long years of custody. When acquitted by this Court, they may have suffered imprisonment of 10 years, or more. When they are acquitted (by the trial or the appellate court), no one returns to them what was wrongfully taken away from them. The system responsible for the administration of justice is responsible for having deprived them of their lives, equivalent to the period of their detention. It is not untrue, that for all the wrong reasons, innocent persons are subjected to suffer the ignominy of criminal prosecution and to suffer shame and humiliation. Just like it is the bounden duty of a court to serve the cause of justice to the victim, so also, it is the bounden duty of a court to ensure that an innocent person is not subjected to the rigours of criminal prosecution.
21. The situation referred to above needs to be remedied. For the said purpose, adherence to a simple procedure could serve the objective. We accordingly direct that on the completion of the investigation in a criminal case, the prosecuting agency should apply its independent mind, and require all shortcomings to be rectified, if necessary by requiring further investigation. It should also be ensured that the evidence gathered during investigation is truly and faithfully utilised, by confirming that all relevant witnesses and materials for proving the charges are conscientiously presented during the trial of a case. This would achieve two purposes. Only persons against whom there is sufficient evidence, will have to suffer the rigours of criminal prosecution. By following the above procedure, in most criminal prosecutions, the agencies concerned will be able to successfully establish the guilt of the accused.
22. Every acquittal should be understood as a failure of the justice delivery system, in serving the cause of justice. Likewise, every acquittal should ordinarily lead to the inference, that an innocent person was wrongfully prosecuted. It is therefore essential that every State should put in place a procedural mechanism which would ensure that the cause of justice is served, which would simultaneously ensure the safeguard of interest of those who are innocent. In furtherance of the above purpose, it is considered essential to direct the Home Department of every State to examine all orders of acquittal and to record reasons for the failure of each prosecution case. A Standing Committee of senior officers of the police and prosecution departments should be vested with the aforesaid responsibility. The consideration at the hands of the above Committee, should be utilised for crystallising mistakes committed during investigation, and/or prosecution, or both. The Home Department of every State Government will incorporate in its existing training programmes for junior investigation/prosecution officials course-content drawn from the above consideration. The same should also constitute course-content of refresher training programmes for senior investigating/prosecuting officials. The above responsibility for preparing training programmes for officials should be vested in the same Committee of senior officers referred to above. Judgments like the one in hand (depicting more than ten glaring lapses in the investigation/prosecution of the case), and similar other judgments, may also be added to the training programmes. The course-content will be reviewed by the above Committee annually, on the basis of fresh inputs, including emerging scientific tools of investigation, judgments of courts, and on the basis of experiences gained by the Standing Committee while examining failures, in unsuccessful prosecution of cases. We further direct, that the above training programme be put in place within 6 months. This would ensure that those persons who handle sensitive matters concerning investigation/prosecution are fully trained to handle the same. Thereupon, if any lapses are committed by them, they would not be able to feign innocence when they are made liable to suffer departmental action for their lapses.
23. On the culmination of a criminal case in acquittal, the investigating/prosecuting official(s) concerned responsible for such acquittal must necessarily be identified. A finding needs to be recorded in each case, whether the lapse was innocent or blameworthy. Each erring officer must suffer the consequences of his lapse, by appropriate departmental action, whenever called for. Taking into consideration the seriousness of the matter, the official concerned may be withdrawn from investigative responsibilities, permanently or temporarily, depending purely on his culpability. We also feel compelled to require the adoption of some indispensable measures, which may reduce the malady suffered by parties on both sides of criminal litigation. Accordingly, we direct the Home Department of every State Government to formulate a procedure for taking action against all erring investigating/prosecuting officials/officers. All such erring officials/officers identified, as responsible for failure of a prosecution case, on account of sheer negligence or because of culpable lapses, must suffer departmental action. The above mechanism formulated would infuse seriousness in the performance of investigating and prosecuting duties, and would ensure that investigation and prosecution are purposeful and decisive. The instant direction shall also be given effect to within 6 months.
24. A copy of the instant judgment shall be transmitted by the Registry of this Court, to the Home Secretaries of all State Governments and Union Territories, within one week. All the Home Secretaries concerned, shall ensure compliance with the directions recorded above. The records of consideration, in compliance with the above direction, shall be maintained.
25. We hope and trust that the Home Department of the State of Gujarat, will identify the erring officers in the instant case, and will take appropriate departmental action against them, as may be considered appropriate, in accordance with law.
26. The instant criminal appeal is accordingly disposed of.