A POCSO court clears him, but hard questions remain over the bulldozer action on his properties by the administration, even before trial
AYODHYA – In a major judgment that has reopened debate on justice, prejudice and state action, a POCSO court in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh has honourably acquitted Samajwadi Party leader Moeed Khan in a rape case that had triggered arrests, public outrage and the demolition of his properties even before the trial was completed.
The case relates to an incident reported last year from Bhadarsa in Ayodhya district, where a minor Dalit girl was allegedly raped. An FIR was registered on 29 July at the Pura Kalandar police station. Moeed Khan and his employee Raju Khan were arrested soon after.
The trial was conducted by Special Judge (POCSO) Nirupama Vikram. During the investigation, DNA samples of both accused were taken and examined. The forensic report placed before the court became the key turning point.
According to the prosecution record, the DNA report of Moeed Khan did not match the sample collected from the victim. In contrast, the report of his employee Raju Khan matched. Relying on this scientific evidence, the court held Moeed Khan innocent and acquitted him with honour. Raju Khan has been found guilty, and the court is scheduled to pronounce his sentence on 29 January.
A lawyer associated with the defence said, “The court relied on science, not noise. The DNA report made it clear that Moeed Khan had no role in this crime.”
What has drawn sharp attention is what happened outside the courtroom. Soon after the allegation and arrest, the local administration carried out bulldozer action against Moeed Khan’s bakery shop and a multi-storey shopping complex. The action was taken at a time when the case was under investigation and no guilt had been established.
Moeed Khan’s family says the damage was done long before justice arrived. A family member said, “Our name was dragged through the mud. Our buildings were pulled down. Today the court has cleared him, but who will return our honour and our livelihood?”
The case also took a political turn. After the arrest, Moeed Khan was targeted on social media and in public meetings, with repeated references to his religion. Supporters say the narrative was set even before facts were tested in court.
A local resident said, “If the court can wait for evidence, why the administration could not wait? Bulldozers moved faster than justice.”
Legal observers note that the judgment once again highlights the danger of instant punishment. The court process took time, but it followed evidence and law. The administrative action, critics say, followed pressure and public anger.
With Moeed Khan now acquitted, questions remain about accountability. His supporters are demanding an explanation for the demolition and are asking whether the state will act with the same speed to correct a wrong.
As one supporter put it, “The court has spoken the truth. Now the system must answer for what it did before the truth came out.”
