False POCSO complaint linked to property dispute, Woman booked in Delhi

A woman in southeast Delhi has been booked for allegedly filing a false complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) against her father, with police linking the accusation to an ongoing family property dispute.

The matter surfaced on April 11 after multiple PCR calls were made from a residence in Tughlakabad Extension, reporting house-breaking and theft. However, a preliminary inquiry revealed the issue to be civil in nature, stemming from a dispute over property.

The following day, the woman approached police accusing her father of molesting her minor daughter. Officials said she delayed recording her statement and initially refused to produce the child for questioning. A police team later visited the residence, and the minor was examined.

During proceedings before the Child Welfare Committee, the child reportedly denied any inappropriate conduct by her grandfather and stated that similar allegations had been made previously. A medical examination conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences found no evidence or history of sexual assault.

Following these findings, the committee declined to hand over custody of the child to the complainant and placed her under protective care.

Police subsequently initiated action under Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to providing false information to mislead public authorities . The provision carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Officials said further investigation is underway.

The case highlights concerns over the alleged misuse of stringent laws, even as authorities stress the importance of safeguarding genuine victims while taking action against false complaints.