PDP leader Iltija booked for assaulting police officer

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against PDP leader Iltija Mufti for allegedly assaulting a police officer while he was discharging his duties.

Late on Thursday, the police reached the residence of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti to question Iltija, who was asked to appear in the police station on Friday in the matter.

JK police sources said on August 4, a protest organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti, was held at SK Park, Srinagar.

“During the course of the protest, a section of the demonstrators allegedly attempted to violate the imposed restrictions by blocking Residency Road and proceeding towards Lal Chowk,” sources said.

Officials claim police personnel repeatedly “appealed to the protesters to maintain peace and comply with lawful directions”.

“Despite these efforts, a group of protesters allegedly attempted to breach the police barricades and obstruct police personnel deployed for the maintenance of law and order,” sources said.

According to the police, during the “ensuing scuffle”, Iltija Mufti allegedly “physically assaulted a police officer while he was discharging his lawful duties.”

She is further alleged to have “grabbed the officer and bitten his forearm, causing a bleeding bite injury,” sources further said.

The injured officer was immediately shifted to the hospital, where he received preventive medical treatment.

The police said that a case has been registered at Kothibagh police station. A comprehensive investigation has been initiated into the alleged assault on a public servant.

The Peoples Democratic Party said the FIR is a “blatant misuse of power and authority”.

A party statement said that during the protest on August 4, Iltija Mufti walked alone towards the main road carrying a placard against the abrogation of Article 370, where she was intercepted and stopped by police personnel.

“During the intervention, she was allegedly manhandled by a woman IPS officer of SP rank, along with other police personnel and her own PSO. The officer allegedly instructed the male PSO to use force against her, following which she was dragged by male police personnel,” the party said, adding that the woman officer allegedly “assaulted the PDP leader and used excessive force while preventing her peaceful protest.”

The PDP said such actions by responsible police officers are illegal, disproportionate and wholly uncalled for.

“We strongly condemn the conduct of the police personnel involved and demand appropriate action against those responsible for allegedly manhandling a political leader during a peaceful protest,” the party said.

In a post on X, the party said that police have reached the residence of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and are questioning Iltija Mufti. “Questioning an injured person while she is under treatment raises serious concerns and is deeply insensitive. Authorities must respect her medical condition and ensure that due process is followed with dignity and humanity,” the party said.