Kulgam: Massive protest broke out in South Kashmirs Bugam area of Kulgam district on Wednesday as people took to streets against the alleged molestation of a 7 year old girl by his relative. At least nine persons, including six policemen, were injured in clashes between protesters and police.
People alleged that CRPF and Police personnel went on rampage in the area and smashed the window panes of scores of houses and vehicles.
As per the reports, a 7-year-old girl of Bugam, Kulgam (name withheld) was coaxed by his 25 year old relative Tariq Ahmed Dar son of Mohammad Shaban and took her to a nearby field where he allegedly molested her.
As the news spread in the area after the girl made a disclosure before her parents, people blocked Bugam-Yaripora road and staged a massive protest demanding immediate arrest of the culprit.
Police raided the house of the culprit however he had fled from the spot. We arrested his brother and released him after the accused surrendered before the police, a police official said.
Agitated protestors tried to proceed towards Kulgam town, however, police and para-military troopers stopped them, which provoked protestors, and they resorted to stone pelting. During ensuing clashes, which lasted for hours, at least nine people, including six policemen were injured. Police used tear-gas shelling and resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protestors. People alleged that police and para-military went berserk and damaged the windowpanes of their residential houses.
Eyewitnesses said that soon after police went on rampage, people used public-address system of mosques seeking help. Soon hundreds of people came out of their houses, chased policemen and CRPF personnel and forced them flee from the spot.
People demanded stern action against the culprit and alleged that police were taking the matter lightly. We are waiting for the medical report. So far, it is clear that girl was molested by the accused and not raped. We have registered an FIR vide 216/2013 under section 376 of RPC against the accused and investigation is going on, a police official said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Gulzar Shabnam said that people should repose faith in police system which is meant for the people. Police has taken up the investigation and if proved guilty, the culprit would be dealt severely as per law. I appeal people to be calm and allow police to do its work, he said. CNS
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