3-Year-old’s rape in Bandipore sparks protests in Kashmir

Mangalore Today News Network

Jammu and Kashmir, May 13, 2019 : Protests broke out in several parts of Kashmir Valley today after a three-year-old child was raped allegedly by her neighbour in the Bandipore district. Schools and colleges were shut in the district after students clashed with security forces and the police, NDTV reported.

 

Muhamaad Suleman Choudhary, DIG North Kashmir, was quoted by ANI news agency as saying, "A minor girl was raped on May 8 and the accused was arrested soon after the incident was reported. He’s in our custody. We’ve constituted a special investigation team. I appeal to public to not indulge in violence".

According to a senior police officer, a medical report has confirmed sexual assault on the child and the accused has been booked under rape charges and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).

The incident has sparked outrage with political parties and various religious and social groups in Jammu and Kashmir demanding speedy investigation.

The accused allegedly gave sweets to the child and took her to an isolated courtyard in a village in Sumbal where he allegedly raped her. The child reportedly narrated the incident to her parents. Her father reportedly took the accused to the local police station.

Officials have put in place restrictions in the Sumbal area - internet speeds have been reduced - to prevent further protests. A shutdown call given by Itihadul Muslimeen, a religious organisation, had a partial effect in Srinagar.

The age of the accused has also generated controversy. A private school had issued a certificate stating he was a minor. Angry villagers wanted to seal the school; some even attempted to set it on fire. Police said the school’s principal, who is also a close relative of the victim, has been taken into custody.

"A medical board will determine the age of accused through ossification test. We have not entertained the certificate issued by school principal’’ said a senior police officer. Official sources have said the principal is in "protective custody" because police fear he may be harmed by angry villagers.