Budgam: Public outrage intensified in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti visited Galwanpora and joined grieving residents demanding swift justice in the death of a minor girl whose case police say prima facie appears to be one of rape and murder.
Hundreds of women and local residents gathered in the area amid emotional scenes, with protesters demanding immediate arrest and strict punishment for those responsible.
Addressing protesters and family members, Iltija Mufti strongly condemned the incident and urged police to mobilize all available resources to identify and arrest the perpetrator.
“Hang the beast who raped and murdered an innocent girl. That beast is roaming among us and police need to put all resources into motion, retrieve CCTV footage and nab the beast, jail and hang him,” she said while addressing the gathering.
The PDP leader said the incident had shaken public confidence and highlighted growing concerns over safety. She said this little girl was even beaten up and her nose was fractured.
“The victim was the daughter of a police officer. Imagine if the child of a police officer is not safe, what about common people,” she said.
Mufti appealed to investigating agencies to conduct a fast-track and transparent investigation so that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.
The protest witnessed participation from large numbers of women who broke down while demanding justice and accountability.
Earlier in the day, schoolchildren and classmates of the victim staged protests and called for immediate arrest of the accused and exemplary punishment.
The murder of the minor girl has triggered widespread anger across Kashmir since her body was recovered near her residence after she had gone missing.
Police have constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of DySP Headquarters Budgam Sajad Ahmad to investigate the case. SSP Budgam K.K. Hari Prasad said all angles were being examined and that prima facie the incident appeared to be a case of rape and murder. Relevant legal sections have been added to the FIR, police said.
Authorities have urged the public and media not to reveal the identity or photographs of the minor victim, saying investigation into the case is underway. [KNT]
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