Thursday, September 22 2005 18:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The trial court here today (Sept 22, 2005) framed charges against dismissed police constable Sunil More, accused of raping a minor girl while on duty at a police chowky in Marine Drive.

More has been charged under sections 376(2) (rape by police officer/public servant), 342 (wrongful confinement) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

More, while pleading not guilty to all the charges, broke down in the court and urged the court that media be barred from reporting on the trial.

He said that media was distorting the facts and "tarnishing my image when I haven't done anything".

He also showed certain cuttings from newspapers to the additional sessions judge K U Chandhiwal, especially taking objection to remarks attributed to his wife in one of the write-ups. A city tabloid had contacted his wife in the aftermath of the incident.

The judge, however, ruled that only the depositions of the victim girl would be recorded in-camera and otherwise trial would be open to the public.

The alleged incident of rape occurred on April 21 this year. More was immediately arrested thereafter and dismissed from the service.