Under severe criticism for failing to nab the alleged braid choppers, police on Friday said that the victims are not cooperating in the investigation process.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, DIG Central Kashmir Ghulam Hassan Bhat said that they were unable to reach a conclusion due to lack of support from public and the family of the victims.

“Lack of support from public is proving to be a big impedement for police to get to the root of the braid chopping incidents,” he said.

He said that locals handed over some suspects to the police, however, all the accused were found innocent.

He said that in one case a maid was found to be involved in a braid chopping case.

“Except a house maid who confessed to chopping off the braid of a girl in Gulberg Colony yesterday for alleged maltreatment from the family, all the accused who were examined and interrogated by the police were not linked to braid-chopping,” he said.

Bhat said that almost 90 per cent of the cases have taken place inside closed rooms. “All such cases require the assistance and support from the public because there is a human being who claims that his beard or hair has been cut. So he needs to speak out and cooperate with law enforcing agencies.

The DIG said that they have involved several women police officers in the case so that the victims can talk to them freely.

“These officers are available round the clock,” he said.

“In most of the cases, we have not been provided support by the victims or close family members. One of the points which people may be reluctant in going to the police stations. We have decided that a lady police officer would be available for these victims to be examined or statements recorded,” said Bhat.

Guest