KANPUR (Wednesday, March 11, 2026) — A special court in Kanpur has acquitted Anurag Shukla, a personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF), in a long-standing molestation case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The acquittal came after the complainant—Shukla’s minor sister-in-law—testified that the alleged incident was a “dream” and that she had raised an alarm due to a misunderstanding while in a semi-conscious state.
Trial Revelations: A Case of Misunderstanding
The case, which had been pending since 2019, took a dramatic turn during the trial when the victim and her family members retracted their original statements.
- The Complainant’s Testimony: The girl, now 15, told the court that on the night of the incident, she was on antibiotics and was in a semi-conscious state. She explained that she had “felt in a dream” that she was being molested, leading her to wake up frightened and scream.
- Family Support: The girl’s elder sister, Shivani Tiwari (who is married to Shukla), and their father, Vijay Kumar Tiwari, also informed the court that the complaint was filed due to a significant misunderstanding within the family.
- The Verdict: Taking note of the retraction and the lack of evidence, Judge Rashmi Singh acquitted Shukla on March 7, 2026, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Consequences for the Accused
Despite the acquittal, Anurag Shukla highlighted the severe toll the six-year legal battle took on his life and career:
- Incarceration: He was arrested on September 29, 2019, and spent 19 days in jail before receiving bail.
- Career Stagnation: Shukla stated that the pending criminal case blocked his promotion to the rank of Corporal in 2020. He currently serves as a Leading Aircraftman.
- Reputational Damage: He expressed that the “false allegations” caused him immense mental stress and social stigma.
Legal Action Against the Father
In a significant move to deter false litigation, the court has directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against the girl’s father, Vijay Kumar Tiwari.
- The Charge: Presenting false evidence and misleading the judicial system.
- Context: While the minor’s retraction was accepted as a clarification of a semi-conscious state, the court took a stern view of the adult complainant (the father) for pursuing a case that he later admitted was based on a misunderstanding.
Case Timeline
| Date | Event |
| Feb 10, 2019 | Anurag Shukla marries Shivani Tiwari. |
| Mar 8, 2019 | Date of the alleged incident in Khadepur, Kanpur. |
| Aug 3, 2019 | FIR registered at Naubasta Police Station. |
| Sep 29, 2019 | Shukla arrested and sent to jail. |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Special Court acquits Shukla of all charges. |
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “IAF personnel acquitted in POCSO case after minor says ‘assault’ was in a dream” (March 11, 2026)
- Times of India: “‘It was a dream’: IAF man acquitted in molestation case after minor sister-in-law retracts allegation” (March 11, 2026)
- Hindustan Times: “Kanpur special court acquits IAF personnel, orders action against complainant” (March 11, 2026)
- The Pioneer: “IAF personnel acquitted in POCSO case; father to face trial for false evidence” (March 12, 2026)
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