On Wednesday, a Delhi court summoned BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain in a rape case. The court took cognisance of the alleged offence and directed Hussain to appear before it on October 20.

“This court after going through the cancellation report, protest petition filed by the complainant (the woman), the reply to the protest petition filed by the IO and other material on record is of the view that the complainant has given consistent statements to the police, to the court in her application and before the Ld.Magistrate in her statement u/s 164 Cr.PC,” the court said.

The police had filed a report before the court seeking cancellation of the FIR.

“The issues raised by the IO (investigating officer) while filing the cancellation report are matters which can be decided during trial,” the court said while dismissing the police report.

“Moreover this court is of the view that the version of the complainant and her trustworthiness can be tested only during trial when she is cross examined by the accused and so this court on the basis of material placed on record along with the cancellation report especially the statement of the complainant… wherein she has supported her allegation of rape and threats by accused Syed Shahnawaz Hussain… this court takes cognizance of the offences,” the court said.

“Accordingly, accused Syed Shahnawaz Hussain be summoned through SHO PS Concerned for next date of hearing,” it added.