JUDGMENT :

J.M. KHAZI, J.

1. This appeal filed under Sections 378(1) and (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C. for short) by the State is directed against the judgment and order of acquittal dated 05.03.2016 in Spl. C. No. 39/2014 on the file of Special Court (POCSO) and (SC/ST) (Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST) and III Addl. District and Sessions Judge, Belagavi.

2. Vide the impugned judgment and order, the Trial Court has acquitted accused Nos. 1 to 4 of all the charges punishable under Sections 323, 324, 504, 506 read with Section 34 of IPC and Section 3(1)(x) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (‘the SC/ST Act’ for short).

3. The delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Vide order dated 25.03.2021, the complainant Shahu Bheemrao Mane is arrayed as respondent No. 5.

4. For the sake of convenience, the parties are referred to their rank before the Trial Court.

5. At the trial, in support of the prosecution case, 14 witnesses are examined as PWs. 1 to 14, Exs.P1 to 21 and MOs.1 to 5 are marked.

6. During the course of the statement under Section 313 of Cr.P.C. accused Nos.1 to 4 have denied the incriminating material arising in t