Magisterial probe into sexual assault on Kishtwar girl, 2 held under POCSO Act

Jammu, August 20

The Kishtwar district administration on Tuesday ordered a magisterial probe into the sexual assault on a 15-year-old Hindu girl in the Marwah area on Saturday that triggered protests against the alleged high-handedness of station house officer Zaheer Iqbal, who has been placed under suspension.

Two accused involved in the case have been arrested under the Prevention of Child against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Members of Hindu outfits held protest demonstrations after reports of alleged sexual assault came to the fore. During a protest demonstration by a group of women against the incident, Marwah SHO Zaheer Iqbal allegedly used force and tried to stop the peaceful protest on Monday. Protesters alleged that the SHO was trying to help the accused in the case.

Kishtwar Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom said the SHO has been suspended and two persons have been arrested under the POCSO Act. He said a magisterial inquiry has also been initiated into the incident.

Videos of protest demonstration by locals also went viral on social media, which spiralled communal tension in the region. Local sources also informed that angry villagers ransacked the house of the accused and tried to set it ablaze. The accused and his family fled from the village.

Issuing a statement, the district administration said: “In clarification to the videos being circulating on social media regarding the Marwah incident, the preliminary report has prima facie found that 20-30 women were part of a protest march. They were stopped and pacified, but due to resentment and counter-resistance, the incident seemingly occurred when the police attempted to resist the movement.”

“However, Kishtwar District Magistrate has taken cognisance of the matter to ascertain the facts. The authenticity of the clips is being scrutinised. The general public is requested to extend full cooperation to maintain peace and tranquillity and not to fall prey to any misinformation that may affect the region’s peace,” the statement read.

It further stated that those found guilty of such activities or exploiting the incident to vitiate the atmosphere shall be dealt with according to the law.

Meanwhile, a Hindu outfit, Sanatan Dharam Sabha Committee, has written a letter to Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan urging him to act against those found guilty of sexual assault. The letter stated that Hindus are in minority in Marwah area and students have to travel long distance to reach schools. The outfit demanded adequate security in the area for minorities and proper provision of school teachers in the area.