Srinagar, May 11: Police on Wednesday arrested a senior leader of the ruling National Conference for “misbehaving and beating” a father-daughter duo near old secretariat area here this afternoon.
Police said NC’s Provincial Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Saloora, and his security guards were taken into custody for “misbehaving and beating” a father-daughter duo after Saloora’s car had hit the victims’ vehicle parked in the area.
A local news agency identified the victims as Bashir Ahmad Bhat and Shagufta.
“While parking his car, Saloora hit another vehicle. It resulted in a scuffle between Saloora and the vehicle owner. Following exchange of words, Saloora slapped the man, and his daughter who was accompanying him,” a top police official told Greater Kashmir. “The security guards of NC leader also misbehaved with the man and his daughter,” police sources said.
Taking to Greater Kashmir, the victim, Bashir Ahmad Bhat of Nishat said, he was about to park his vehicle near the old secretariat when a car hit his vehicle from behind.
“Soon after a man came down from another vehicle and started abusing me, and threatened me leave the spot. My daughter, who was accompanying me, tried to ask him why he was hurling abuses at us, but he (Saloora) started abusing her too,” Bhat said.
An FIR No. 35 under/section 354 and, 341 has been registered against the accused, the police official said. “The accused alongwith his police guards are in custody in Shaheed Gunj, Police station. We will follow the law and action will be taken accordingly,” he said.
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah assured action, as per law, against Saloora.
Following the incident, net-savvy Omar, wrote on the micro-blogging website twitter: “I was briefed by the DG (about the incident) and I've instructed that the law must follow its course. No leniency just because of his party affiliation”.
Eyewitnesses told Greater Kashmir that massive protests broke out in the area after NC leader misbehaved with the woman and her father.
The “highhandedness” on part of the NC leader resulted in massive protests in the area, they said. “These politicians have taken people for granted. Instead of admitting his mistake, he (Saloora) thrashed them (father-daughter duo),” eyewitnesses said.
Senior National Conference leaders tried to distance themselves from the incident.
“I don’t know what has happened. Let me check it out first,” said senior NC, leader Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan.
Hailing from Saloora area of Ganderbal-the home constituency of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah--Saloora was elevated to the post of General Secretary after National Conference’s win in 2008-Assembly elections.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 IST