GANDERBAL: Tension gripped the Safapora area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday following the alleged murder of a 25-year-old girl, sparking a massive protest by locals and family members who demanded immediate and stringent action against the accused.
According to the aggrieved protesters, the woman was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted, and subsequently murdered by one of her close relatives. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with people calling for a transparent and time-bound investigation.
Chanting slogans, scores of residents gathered in Safapora, blocking roads and seeking justice for the victim. Protesters expressed deep anguish over the incident and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that the accused faces the harshest punishment under the law.
Suhail Ahmad, a prominent member of the local civil society, while speaking to the media, said, We demand a transparent and speedy investigation into the matter. The community is in shock, and we want nothing less than justice for the victim. The accused should be punished strictly to deter such heinous acts in the future.
In response to the growing outrage, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, personally visited the protest site to pacify the demonstrators and assured the bereaved family of concrete legal action.
While addressing the media, SSP Khalil Poswal stated, “An FIR has already been registered in this matter, and the accused has been taken into custody. The investigation is being conducted on a fast-track basis. I assure the family and the public that anyone found guilty will be dealt with sternly and according to the law.”
Following the SSP’s assurance, the protest was called off peacefully.