On September 16, Santanu Kumar Nath, an executive engineer in Assam’s Public Works Department, was granted interim bail in a child sexual abuse case. Nath faces charges under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), and Sections 115(2), 64(2)(f), 238 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following an FIR filed at Azara Police Station on September 3.
Earlier reports indicated that Nath fled after the FIR was registered. A source told EastMojo that he tried to return to work after receiving bail, but a senior department official stopped him from rejoining. The Public Works Department, however, never issued a suspension order when the matter came to light.
The case involves a 16‑year‑old girl, referred to as Pahi, who alleges that Nath sexually abused her while she lived as a domestic helper in his home. She was reportedly taken in when she was 11, with promises of school enrollment, but was instead forced to perform household chores, sexually assaulted, and made to take contraceptive pills. She fled Nath’s residence on August 24 and was later placed under child protection custody.
The investigation has raised concerns about the nine‑day gap between Pahi’s escape and the FIR registration, as well as how her testimony was handled. Questions remain about whether the delay affected the integrity of the evidence.
EastMojo interviewed human‑rights lawyer Liyi Marli Noshi to explain the POCSO Act. She noted that Section 6 covers aggravated penetrative sexual assault and carries a mandatory minimum of ten years’ rigorous imprisonment. While bail is possible, courts consider factors such as the severity of the allegations, potential witness intimidation, and the accused’s likelihood of fleeing. Noshi clarified that anticipatory bail is sought before arrest, whereas interim bail provides temporary relief until a full bail decision is made. She also emphasized that bail does not equate to innocence and that police must register complaints promptly, provide medical care, record statements child‑friendly, and involve the Child Welfare Committee.
