Quick Summary: Sheikh Asikul was allowed to leave jail temporarily by the Delhi High Court on February 13, 2026, in a case involving serious accusations. The court looked at different factors, including the age of the girl involved and the nature of the accusations.
Sheikh Asikul was accused under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 323 (causing harm), 342 (wrongful holding), 376D (group assault), and 34 (shared intent), along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The case was reported at Police Station Govind Puri, New Delhi.
The girl, originally from Bangladesh, claimed that Sheikh Asikul brought her from Kolkata to Delhi by pretending to offer her a job. She said that Sheikh Asikul, along with two others, repeatedly attacked her. She also mentioned being taken to Jaipur by Farida Begum, where no further harm happened.
"Whenever she would resist, all three of them would beat her and forcefully assault her," the police report noted.
The defense argued that the girl was over 18 when the police report was filed and questioned her story because she didn't speak up during the trip from Delhi to Jaipur. They pointed out that she had gone back to Bangladesh, which reduced any pressure on her.
The prosecution argued that the girl was between 17 and 19 at the time of the alleged crime, making her consent not matter. However, a medical report suggested she was almost an adult.
"The estimated age of the girl in January 2019 was 17-19 years," the court noted.
Judge Girish Kathpalia allowed Sheikh Asikul to leave jail temporarily, focusing on the lack of specific dates for the alleged crimes and the girl's awareness of her situation. The court asked Sheikh Asikul to provide a personal guarantee of Rs.10,000 with a backup.
The court decided to grant bail to Sheikh Asikul, which means he can stay out of jail while waiting for the trial. This decision does not mean he is innocent; it just ensures that he has a fair chance to defend himself in court.
"Just because the crime is under the POCSO Act, it does not mean the accused should stay in jail forever," the judgment stated.
