HC refuses to halt acid attack case, says FIR delay no ground to quash probe | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Holding that delay in filing an FIR cannot by itself be a ground to halt an investigation in serious criminal cases, Telangana high court has refused to quash proceedings against a woman accused of allegedly making her four-year-old nephew consume acid disguised as juice.Dismissing a criminal petition, Justice J Sreenivas Rao observed that mere delay in lodging a complaint is insufficient to scuttle criminal proceedings at the threshold, particularly when the allegations relate to grave offences and reasonable explanations for the delay exist.The petitioner is facing charges of attempted murder and acid attack in a case registered at Medipally police station. According to the prosecution, she allegedly made her four-year-old nephew consume acid disguised as juice on April 9. Investigators alleged that the act stemmed from resentment that the child was receiving more affection from family members than her own son.The boy underwent treatment at Ankura Hospital until April 12, following which an FIR was registered on April 14.Seeking quashing of the case, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the complaint was lodged after an unexplained five-day delay and was driven by personal disputes within the joint family. It was also contended that the invocation of provisions relating to acid attack and abetment, alongside attempted murder charges, amounted to duplication and an abuse of the legal process.Opposing the plea, the state and counsel representing the child’s parents pointed to specific overt acts attributed to the accused, besides CCTV footage and medical records supporting the allegations. They submitted that the petitioner was presently in judicial custody and that the truth of the allegations could only emerge through a complete investigation.Taking note of the rival submissions and relying on Supreme Court precedents governing the exercise of inherent powers to quash criminal proceedings, the court held that the case did not warrant interference at this stage.Finding no merit in the petition, the high court dismissed the plea and allowed the investigation to continue.