Rapist With 'Peter Pan Syndrome' Granted Bail By Local Court Despite Heinous Abuse Of Minor

An Indian man who allegedly kidnapped, raped, and sexually assaulted a 14-year-old minor girl has been granted bail by a local court because he claimed to be suffering from a rare condition called "Peter Pan Syndrome."

Special Judge S C Jadhav reportedly granted bail to the 23-year-old accused with a bond of 25,000 Rupees (US$336) and on several other conditions on Monday, June 21, India Today reported.

“Peter Pan Syndrome in layman’s language can be called an overgrown child. But it is far more complicated as people suffering from Peter Pan Syndrome can be insensitive towards others’ needs, doesn’t want to work or make concrete long-term plans, and want to live for the moment,” Maanwi Sharma, a Gurgaon-based clinical psychologist explained the supposed mental illness.

Sunil Pandey, the accused's lawyer, reportedly said in court that the victim knew what she was doing and claimed that she was in a "consensual" relationship with the suspect.

The victim's family, whom the barrister accused of being fully aware of the relationship, however, did not approve of the arrangement due to the young man's illness, poor financial background, and also because they had a grudge against the suspect's family, he contended.

Special Public Prosecutor Veena Shelar denied all the allegations made by the defense and said that there is sufficient evidence that shows the suspect committing the offense. Shelar added that if the accused is released on bail, he may tamper with the evidence in the case, the Independent reported.

There is no material on record that proves the illness of the accused applicant, the prosecutor also noted.

However, the Mumbai High Court reportedly accepted the argument of the defense counsel and granted bail to the accused stating that “probe into the matter is completed and nothing has to be recovered from him.”

The court decision pointed out that the victim’s statement shows that the underage girl had sufficient knowledge to know what she was doing and voluntarily left her parents’ house to live with the accused, the New Indian Express reported.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recognize "Peter Pan Syndrome" in its list of mental illnesses. It is neither a medically accepted syndrome, nor it is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is a book by the American Psychiatric Association.