How will Paul Shah's case move forward?

A few days after the complaint was lodged with the police on the charge of rape against actor Paul Shah, he surrendered at the District Police Office, Tanahu. The district court on Sunday put him in custody for a week and further investigation in the case is going on.

While the accused and his supporters have claimed that the victim was living with them with her consent, Article 219 of the Criminal Code Act states that in the case of a minor below 18 years of age, it is not allowed even with consent. 

Police took statements from the victim and her guardian. The victim has even undergone a medical examination for proof.

Police now will be taking a statement of actor Paul Shah. During the statement, Shah will have a chance to defend himself against the charges against him. He will even get a chance to present his case that the allegations are false. During the course of the investigation, the police will be able to understand and take statements from people who have seen or been involved in the incident. 

After the investigation is over, if any evidence is found, the police will give an opinion to the District Public Prosecutor's Office to file a case against Shah on the charge of rape. The District Government Attorney's Office will file a case against Shah in the District Court, Tanahu. With the victim's father filing a complaint and the victim admitting that she was raped, it is almost certain that a case will be filed against Shah. 

After the statement, there will be a debate on whether to keep Shah in custody for investigation or to release him on bail. Generally, it is customary to send the accused to jail for trial if the sentence is more than 3 years if the evidence is found.

The teenager had lodged a complaint alleging that she was raped in Nawalparasi as well. In the complaint she had said that she was raped at Gaidakot resort on 20 March, 2021.

Pal Shah, who is currently in custody at the District Police Office, Tanahun, will be brought back to Nawalparasi by the police after facing the court. If the police finds evidence against him, then a second case of rape against Shah will be filed in Nawalparasi district court.

The case will be heard in a closed session in the district court to keep the victims' identity a secret.