Handwara, May 5: The molestation of an eight-year-old girl allegedly by Special Police Officer of Jammu and Kashmir police triggered massive protests at Kralgund area of Langate here on Wednesday. Police has arrested and disengaged the errant cop.
 Hundreds of people took to streets demanding exemplary punishment against the alleged drunken SPO, Sarabjeet Singh (Belt No.194), deployed for guarding the minority community at Rawalpura Kralgund. The accused barged into a house and tried to outrage the chastity of minor girl on Monday evening, the protestor said. “The girl’s screams caught the attention of her mother who rushed towards her room. On seeing her, the cop fled away,” the protesters added. The girl received scars on face while trying to save herself from his clutches, they alleged.
 The protesters including women and children blocked the Varmul–Handwara highway for more than two hours disrupting traffic.
 Following demonstrators, police and senior officials reached on the spot and assured the protestors that action would be taken against the guilty, forcing them to disperse.
 When contacted, the deputy superintendent of police Handwara, Ghulam Jeelani Wani said the accused cop had been arrested and disengaged from service.
 “We have started investigation in the incident and law would take its own course,” he said.
 An FIR number 36/10, under section 354 RPC (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) has been registered against the SPO.
 Meanwhile, MLA Langate Er Rasheed visited the victims’ family and demanded stern punishment for the accused.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 5 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 5 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 IST