A Delhi court has summoned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain following allegations of rape and criminal intimidation by a woman. The court, taking cognizance of the alleged offences, has directed the former Union Minister to appear before it on October 20.
The court’s decision came after a thorough examination of the cancellation report submitted by the police, a protest petition filed by the complainant, and the investigating officer’s response to the protest petition. The judge noted that the complainant had provided consistent statements to both the police and the court, demonstrating her commitment to her case. Additionally, the complainant had testified before a Magistrate under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, further supporting her claims.
The police had initially filed a report seeking the cancellation of the First Information Report (FIR). However, the judge dismissed this report, asserting that the issues raised by the investigating officer were matters that should be addressed during the trial. The judge also emphasized the importance of testing the complainant’s version and trustworthiness during the trial, where she would be cross-examined by the accused.
Consequently, the court took cognizance of the alleged offences, which are punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including section 376 (rape) and section 506 (criminal intimidation). The judge ordered the accused, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, to be summoned through the Station House Officer (SHO) of the concerned police station for the next hearing.
