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Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Establishing More's guilt
Binoo Nair of the Mumbai Mirror reports:
One, why are DNA tests "generally not done in rape cases"? I would have thought they're the most conclusive evidence that, at the very least, intercourse has taken place.
Two, why is the other evidence "not strong enough for a conviction"? What kind of evidence is deemed sufficient to convict a rapist?
I'm pretty sure justice will be done in this particular case, because the media is following this case closely. I'm equally sure that the system remains dysfunctional. Pity.
Under enormous pressure to get Marine Drive rape accused constable Sunil More convicted, Mumbai police have asked for two DNA tests on the accused so that the rape is proved beyond all doubt. DNA tests are generally not done in rape cases, but police sources said the evidence gathered so far in this sensitive case is not strong enough for a conviction and needs to be bolstered by a clincher test. Police, already scarred by public criticism, are so afraid of a backlash and a series of ‘scapegoat’ transfers if they don’t secure a conviction that they have decided to go in for two tests.There are two things I don't understand here.
One, why are DNA tests "generally not done in rape cases"? I would have thought they're the most conclusive evidence that, at the very least, intercourse has taken place.
Two, why is the other evidence "not strong enough for a conviction"? What kind of evidence is deemed sufficient to convict a rapist?
I'm pretty sure justice will be done in this particular case, because the media is following this case closely. I'm equally sure that the system remains dysfunctional. Pity.
