National Conference leader, Justice (retired) Hasnain Masoodi, formerly Chairperson Juvenile Justice Panel, has demanded fast-track investigation and trial in the alleged Bandipore rape case.
While condemning the gruesome act, Justice Masoodi in astatement stated that Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Children from SexualViolence Act 2018 and Criminal Law Amendment Act 2018 are well equipped to dealwith such an offence.
“The law in force in Jammu and Kashmir provides an efficientmechanism for expeditious investigation and speedy trial. It excludes evenremote chance of trauma or harassment to the victim during the trial whileprescribing exemplary punishment to the person found guilty of sexual assaulton a minor girl below 12 years,” the statement said.
Justice Masoodi said the law relating to protection ofchildren from sexual violence does not require any amendment. “However, changeis urgently needed in the mindset and approach of the investigating agency andalso all the key actors who shall be associated with the trial of the accusedonce the charge sheet is filed before the court.”
Justice Masoodi expressed anguish over “slow” pace ofinvestigation in the shocking incident. He said in a like case at Silker in Rajasthan, the investigation wascompleted in 4 days, the trial in 5 days and the culprit was sentenced to lifeimprisonment on 12 February 2019 within 10 days of the occurrence.
In another case in Madhya Pradesh, the trial was completedin 5 days and death sentence pronounced a few days after the occurrence,Masoodi said.
He said there is no reason for any delay in the investigationand submitting the results of the investigation before the court, and exemplarypunishment to the person found guilty.
A three-year old girl was allegedly raped in Bandipora byher neighbour. Police has already arrested the accused. A SIT constituted by the police isinvestigating the matter.