A Delhi court on Wednesday acquitted former Delhi Women and Child Development Minister, Sandeep Kumar, in a 2016 rape and corruption case. The Rouse Avenue court, presided by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, cleared Kumar of charges related to rape and under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Sandeep Kumar, who also held portfolios related to social welfare and the SC/ST Department, was accused of raping a woman under the pretense of helping her with ration card-related work.
The case dates back to 2016 when an FIR was lodged against Kumar, accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman after giving her a sedative. The allegations included that the minister filmed the act and circulated the footage.
Kumar was charged with rape, sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Information Technology Act for his involvement in the alleged recording and dissemination of the video.
The incident that triggered the case involved the woman visiting Kumar’s residence, seeking help with obtaining a Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card. According to the woman’s statement, the minister gave her a drink laced with sedatives before sexually assaulting her. The alleged crime took place approximately 11 months prior to her statement being recorded by the police.
The case became a significant issue for the Delhi government, as Kumar was a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) at the time. Following the allegations, he was swiftly removed from his ministerial post, and the case was pursued legally by the police.
During the trial, Advocate Sanjay Gupta, along with Rajkamal Arya, represented Sandeep Kumar. They argued that the accusations were fabricated, and that there was no credible evidence to prove the charges against their client. The defence maintained that the FIR was politically motivated and pointed out inconsistencies in the woman’s testimony.
After several years of legal proceedings, the court found that there was insufficient evidence to convict Kumar. The prosecution was unable to substantiate the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The court's decision to acquit Sandeep Kumar has brought closure to the case that had drawn public and media attention due to the nature of the allegations and Kumar’s position as a minister at the time.
The acquittal marks a significant development in the long-drawn legal battle, which had severe implications for Kumar's political career. The former minister, who had been in the spotlight for his role in women and child development, had seen his reputation severely damaged by the allegations.
The case also highlights the complexity of legal processes in sensitive cases involving high-profile individuals. While the allegations were serious, the judicial process required conclusive proof before delivering a verdict. In the absence of such evidence, the court ruled in favour of the accused, emphasising the need for strong and substantiated claims in criminal cases.
Kumar’s acquittal may have broader implications for his political career, as he had been sidelined following the charges. It remains to be seen if the verdict will lead to his return to public life or political engagement in the future. For now, the decision marks the end of a difficult chapter for the former minister, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
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