2 of vigilante group held

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 21

The police have arrested two members of a vigilante group which allegedly went on rampage on Thursday night in the old city, targeting a group of doctors blaming them for drug addiction.

The police swung into action after a doctor lodged a complaint against the mob.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters blocked the main road at Nowhatta on Friday, demanding release of the two accused. “We have formed a social group to stop drug peddling. The police, instead of acting against them, have arrested two of our members and we seek their release,” a member of the protesting group said.

According to the complainant, a group of doctors was on its way from the University of Kashmir to the Government Medical College, Srinagar, late on Thursday. Midway they were surrounded by a mob of around 20-25 people, who threatened and assaulted them.

“They threatened to lynch us and even attempted to set us ablaze. We pleaded them to inform the police station concerned and not take law in their own hands. But they did not heed to our pleas and continued to beat and assault us,” the complaint said.

“Despite our pleas, they took us to an unknown location and kept us there for around two hours. After being informed, a police team reached the spot and rescued us,” the complainant said.

A police officer said the mob accused the group of being drug addicts.