In Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged gangrape of a Class 7 student. The incident reportedly occurred on September 6 when the minor, while returning home, boarded a cab driven by one of the accused.
The Chenab Times has learned that a complaint was lodged at the Gursai police station by the father of the victim. He stated that his daughter, a student in Class 7, was en route home when she entered a cab driven by Zahoor Mushtaq, also known as Sonu. Mushtaq allegedly took the girl to his residence along with his associate, Mohd Irfan. According to the complaint, the accused held the student captive for three days and subjected her to repeated sexual assault.
Acting promptly on the information, the police apprehended both Zahoor Mushtaq and Mohd Irfan. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those pertaining to gangrape, kidnapping, and wrongful confinement. Additionally, charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have been invoked against the accused.
Officials confirmed that further investigations into the matter are underway. The swift action by the local police followed the filing of the complaint by the aggrieved father, highlighting the seriousness with which such cases are being treated. The incident has raised concerns within the community regarding the safety of children, particularly in the remote areas of the Chenab Valley region.
The legal proceedings will now involve gathering evidence, recording statements, and potentially conducting further medical examinations to corroborate the allegations. The involvement of the POCSO Act indicates a focus on protecting the rights and well-being of the minor victim throughout the legal process. The district administration has been urged by local representatives to ensure adequate support and counseling services are provided to the victim and her family during this difficult time.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, includes stringent provisions for offences against women and children. The specific sections invoked against the accused signify the gravity of the alleged crimes, including the prolonged captivity and repeated assaults. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring child safety and preventing sexual violence in various parts of the country, even as law enforcement agencies strive to maintain law and order and bring perpetrators to justice.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
