Kathua ‘rape’ snowballs into controversy

Arteev Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 17

The alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old tribal girl in Kathua has snowballed into a controversy, with the issue possessing the ingredients of dividing people on communal lines in the otherwise peaceful Jammu region.

Kashmir-based political groups, which had vociferously raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, have also jumped in and have condemned the “communalisation and politicisation of the rape and murder of the minor girl”.

Residents of Hiranagar and adjoining villages, however, have described the investigation by the Crime Branch and the police as lopsided and biased, alleging that both were working under “tremendous political pressure” and a fair probe could not be expected in such circumstances.

“She was also our daughter and the incident has shaken the conscience of every person. We also want justice should be delivered to the rape victim but no innocent should suffer in the process. The way the Crime Branch and the Police have acted so far, it is clear the government’s intentions were not clear. We want a transparent and fair probe into the case. For that, the case should be handed over to the CBI. People have no faith in the Crime Branch and the police investigation,” said Vijay Kumar Sharma, a local advocate and president of the Hindu Ekta Manch.

He said police officers were working under “tremendous political pressure” and even CM Mehbooba Mufti had declared the arrested person as a “rapist” without trial in any court of law.

Two Special Police Officers and a juvenile have been arrested in connection with the case.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has denounced attempts “to give any religious or communal colour to this worst-ever shameful act” and said that the identification of the real culprits should be the interest of all right-thinking persons in society.

Demanding a ‘foolproof probe’ to bring the culprits to book and ensure justice to the victim, the JKPCC spokesperson has said that any religious or communal twist was totally “unwarranted and condemnable”.

“If such protests are an attempt to save the accused, then it is most unfortunate. But surprisingly, the protesters have sought a CBI inquiry to nab the real culprits, which makes the task of the investigation agency more difficult. It should doubly ensure that there is no element of suspicion or doubt on the efficiency and fairness of the entire process and should investigate all aspects of the gruesome incident,” the spokesperson said.

The National Conference (NC) has also condemned “communalisation and politicisation of the heinous crime”, saying that these attempts were highly deplorable and against civilised behaviour.

NC provincial president Devender Singh Ranaexpressed surprise over the “illogical and uncalled for” protests in support of a criminal. He said the attempts might paralyse the investigation process, leading to an unfortunate situation.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party said those who used the national flag during a protest to seek the release of the “rapist and murderer” of the Kathua minor girl had insulted the flag and could not be her well-wishers.

PDP general secretary Vaid Mahajan said the protest against the arrest of the accused was condemnable and the culprits involved in it should be dealt with strictly according to law.