The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed a detailed inquiry by a special team to find out who sexually assaulted a minor victim at Bageshwar Dham in District Chhatarpur. [2026 LiveLaw (MP) 405]

The bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Nirankari also directed an inquiry into the identity of the biological father of the victim's fetus, after the accused-applicant's DNA sample did not match the fetus' DNA.

Noting that the victim was 16 years old, the bench observed that in her statements under Sections 180 and 183 of BNSS, she stated that the applicant had forcibly committed rape with her. Therefore, the bench dismissed the bail application of the applicant.

Thus, the bench also directed,

"The Superintendent of Police, District Chhatarpur is directed to constitute a special team and conduct a detailed enquiry and find out that who sexually assaulted the victim and who is the biological father of the fetus. A detailed enquiry shall be concluded within a period of two months and an appropriate and suitable action be taken accordingly".

Per the prosecution, the applicant had committed rape on her. Thereafter, she was medically examined and found to be two months pregnant. Her pregnancy was terminated, but the fetus was preserved. The applicant's blood was subsequently sent for chemical/forensic analysis.

The State Forensic Science Laboratory sent a report on August 29, 2026, and it was found that the applicant was not the biological father of the fetus.

The victim, in her cross-examination, also stated that the present applicant had not committed rape on her.

The court noted, "As per the scientific report, the applicant is not the biological father of fetus but the victim due to the physical relations with man, conceived pregnancy". The court deemed it necessary to inquire into the identity of the accused who sexually assaulted the victim and also into the identity of the biological father of the fetus.

Accordingly, the court disposed of the present applicant's bail application.

For Petitioner: Advocate Baboo Ji Chourasia

For State: Advocate Naman Mishra