A Delhi court summoned BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Wednesday following a complaint by a woman who accused him of rape and criminal intimidation. The court has acknowledged the seriousness of the alleged offence and has directed the former Union minister to appear before it on October 20.

The allegation is that in April 2018, Shahnawaz took the complainant to a farm house, intoxicated her and committed rape on her. He also allegedly made a video of the act and threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident.

Citing various pieces of evidence, the presiding judge stated, “This court, after going through the cancellation report, protest petition filed by the complainant, the reply to the protest petition filed by the IO, and other material on record, is of the view that the complainant has given consistent statements to the police, to the court in her application, and before the Ld. Magistrate in her statement u/s 164 Cr.PC.”

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The court rejected the police report seeking the cancellation of the First Information Report (FIR).

The judge said, “The issues raised by the IO (investigating officer) while filing the cancellation report…are matters which can be decided during trial.”

“Moreover this court is of the view that the version of the complainant and her trustworthiness can be tested only during the trial when she is cross-examined by the accused, and so this court on the basis of material placed on record along with the cancellation report, especially the statement of the complainant… wherein she has supported her allegation of rape and threats by accused Syed Shahnawaz Hussain… this court takes cognisance of the offences,” the judge added.

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The charges against Syed Shahnawaz Hussain encompass various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation).

The judge has summoned the accused, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, to appear through the Station House Officer of the concerned police station for the upcoming hearing.

(With inputs from PTI)