By Team FI
Pascal Mazurier, the French consular official who is facing trial for allegedly raping his three-and-a-half year old daughter, will be charged with committing sodomy under section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
B.T Venkatesh, special public prosecutor in this case told media persons that the offence of sodomy has been included as an additional charge against the accused and the court will frame charges against him on March 15 on this count too.
Mazurier, who is on bail in the sexual abuse case, had earlier filed an application in the trial court seeking an order to discharge him from the criminal case on the grounds of insufficient evidence. However sessions judge Shubha Gowdar dismissed his petition in January this year. On 10th February the court framed charges of rape against Mazurier.
The criminal case of rape was filed by Mazurier’s wife Suja Jones after medical examination of their minor daughter confirmed rape.
The French counsel in India had dismissed the case as a marital feud, sparking criticism from women’s rights and child rights organizations. If convicted, Mazurier faces life imprisonment.
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