Deputy Inspector General of Police (North Kashmir) Mohammad Sulieman Choudhary said on Monday that investigation into the alleged rape of a minor girl in Bandipora will be foolproof.
“People should have faith in us,” he told reporters andadded that they have already constituted a Special Investigation Teamcomprising senior police officials and prosecuting officers who were collectingevidences “bit by bit”.
“The case will be investigated in a professionalmanner. I also personally visited Sumbal and SSP Bandipora is also stationed inSumbal from the past few days,” he said.
Choudhary said that for the past few days, protests had beenheld in several areas neighbouring the place where the alleged crime occurredbecause the protesters had doubts regarding the age of the accused, especiallyafter a school principal issued a certificate about his age.
“The certificate issued by the school principal andsubsequently shared on social media is not authentic. We have taken cognizanceof this and the principal of the school and others involved in this are beingquestioned,” he said.
He said when the incident was reported to police on May 8,the accused was immediately arrested and has been in police custody since.
“I appeal to the people not to indulge inviolence,” he said.
Meanwhile, students of government girls higher secondaryschool Bandipora on Monday held a protest march against the alleged rape.
The students marched from Plan Bandipora to NowporaChowk,demanding exemplary punishment to the accused.
Protests were also held in Sumbal main chowk. The TradersFederation Sumbal and people from several localities of Sumbal includingNowgam, Inderkoot, Hajin, Gadkhud and Tularzoo assembled in Sumbal and held aprotest. Women protesters blocked Srinagar-Bandipora road near Shilvat.
The protesters demanded justice for the victim and capitalpunishment to the guilty.
Choduhary also held a meeting with the village elders,requesting them to make efforts in restoring calm. Authorities have alsoimposed section 144 in the girl’s native place to prevent assembly of more thanfour people.
Mobile internet services also remained suspended on thesecond day in the district.