False case

false cases were lodged against Ravi, prompting the top court to order an investigation by a special team.

Ravi was in jail for three-anda-half months before the court released him on bail on September 16, 2015. Police protection was given to the family that fled the village fearing a backlash.

At a hearing on April 5 this year, UP’s additional advocate general Aishwarya Bhati informed a top court bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar that no evidence was found against Ravi for the drugs charges. The bench allowed the state to file a closure report on this case.

Also, the court recorded in its order that the “victim” had appeared before the judges and denied the sexual assault charges against Ravi. This prompted additional advocate general Bhati to assure that the rape case would be closed too.

The bench said it will order an inquiry against police officers who initiated the “false” criminal proceedings.

According to Ravi’s counsel Rahul Tyagi, the family was under pressure from police to withdraw the court petition. The family lives in fear despite protection and doesn’t want to return to the village.

“We can tell them (the government) to take over your land and compensate you because you will not be able to enjoy your property,” the bench said and sought the family’s response.