Bombay HC: Ravindra Nikumbh Acquitted Due to DNA Handling Errors in Jalgaon Case

In a major turn of events, the Bombay High Court at Aurangabad, led by Judge Rajnish R. Vyas, reversed the guilty verdict of Ravindra @ Ritesh Bapu Nikumbh in a case involving serious accusations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and other laws. Here's a breakdown of the case and the court's decision.

Background of the Case

Ravindra Nikumbh, a 24-year-old from Derabardi, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon, was initially found guilty by a judge in Jalgaon on charges under the POCSO Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was about claims that he repeatedly sexually assaulted a minor, who was 17 years and 4 months old at the time of the incident in March 2018.

Conviction Details

• POCSO Act: Ravindra was sentenced to 20 years for severe sexual assault.
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act: He got a 6-month sentence for offenses under this act.
• Indian Penal Code: Charges included rape.

All sentences were to be served at the same time, with additional fines.

Key Events and Evidence

• Arrest and Charges: Ravindra was arrested on March 24, 2018, after a complaint by the victim, who later died during the trial in August 2021.
• DNA Evidence: The DNA test showed Ravindra as the biological father of the victim's unborn child, which was central to the prosecution's case.
• Victim’s Age: The prosecution failed to clearly prove that the victim was under 18, which was crucial for applying the POCSO Act.

Court's Analysis

• DNA Handling: The court found problems with how DNA samples were handled, making them questionable.
• Proof of Age: Mistakes in the birth records and lack of supporting evidence led the court to decide that the victim’s age wasn't proven for sure.
• Reasonable Doubt: The court stressed the rule that guilt must be proven without any doubt, which wasn't done in this case.

Judgment

On January 17, 2026, Judge Rajnish R. Vyas cleared Ravindra of all charges, due to lack of evidence and mistakes in the process. The court ordered the end of his bail conditions and the return of any fines paid.

"The prosecution has not proved the case beyond reasonable doubt," said Judge Vyas, pointing out the weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Summary of Verdict

Ravindra Nikumbh was found not guilty of all charges due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors, highlighting the importance of proving someone's guilt without any doubt in criminal cases.