On November 22, 2025, the Delhi High Court decided not to release Rajesh Pundhir from jail before his trial. He is accused of sexually assaulting a college student. Here's a breakdown of the case and why the court made this decision.
The case started when a college student in Delhi said that an auto driver offered her a free ride to her college. During the ride, he allegedly touched her in a way that made her uncomfortable. Scared, she managed to escape and reported the incident to her college.
Even after checking security camera footage, the police initially found no leads. However, on December 7, 2023, the victim recognized Rajesh Pundhir at Kashmere Gate, which led to his arrest. His auto was taken by the police, and he was charged under laws related to sexual offenses against children.
On February 27, 2024, formal charges were made against him. However, Rajesh Pundhir's request to be released from jail before his trial was denied on December 3, 2024. The court noticed some inconsistencies in the evidence but focused on the seriousness of the charges and the potential danger to the victim.
Rajesh Pundhir's lawyer argued that the differences in the victim's statement and lack of evidence like security camera footage should allow him to be released before his trial. They pointed out that he is the main provider for his family and mentioned a Supreme Court case suggesting that keeping someone in jail before their trial shouldn't be a punishment.
The prosecution argued that Rajesh Pundhir, who has a history of criminal behavior, could be a threat to the victim and public safety. They stressed how serious the charges are and the importance of keeping the young victim safe.
Justice Ajay Digpaul decided against releasing him before the trial, emphasizing the victim's vulnerability and the seriousness of the alleged crime. The court prioritized the victim's safety under the laws protecting children over the accused's personal difficulties.
This decision highlights the court's focus on protecting victims of sexual assault, especially minors, and shows the legal system's careful approach in such sensitive cases.
