Srinagar: Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani on Saturday while lashing at authorities, said that criminal silence maintained by them over Asifa murder and rape case is very sad and painful and added that it seems when it comes to the people of Kashmir all decide to turn a blind eye.
Geelani expressed shock over the slow pace in proceedings in the case, saying attempts are being made to shelve the case as was done in the Aasiya-Nilofer double murder case.
Terming the murder and rape of eight year old Kathua girl as the most reprehensible crime against humanity, Geelani said that it is shocking and very unfortunate that even judiciary is working under the influence of these bigoted minded people and instead of taking cognizance are acting as mute spectators.
Referring to Damni murder and rape incident, Geelani said that the gruesome murder and rape of the girl sparked outrage in whole India, however contrary to this and as usual no justice was ever done in Asifa murder case and the perpetrators are being supported by communal factions and authorities showing a lenient view.
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Geelani said the evil act of raping a child is the most abhorrent act against all humanity. “The beasts who did it, not only raped the 8-year-old little Asifa but they drugged her and killed her and even though the state administration and judiciary remained unmoved and as usual followed their insincere dogma,” he said.
While demanding capital punishment for the accused, he in his appeal to all peace and justice loving people of state and particularly Jammu, asked them to stand with humanity and justice.
No sin is ever justifiable ,Geelani said and while lashing out at the authorities, added that in civilized societies those sharing power corridors feel accountable to protect rights of people against the violence and provide protection to the victims.
“It is a moral duty for authorities to protect rights of people and there are precedence that rulers even resign from their responsibilities if they fail to deliver their duties, said Geelani and added situations are quite contrary and authorities instead, even support such beastliness for gaining political dividends.
Asifa, an 8 year old minor was kidnapped and raped in Rasna Hera Nagar area of Kathua district and since then ‘Hindu Ekta Manch’ supported by BJP and NPP are politicizing the issue demanding the case be handed over to Central Bureau Investigation.
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So far the crime branch has arrested a sub inspector, head constable, two Special Police Officers including the main accused, among seven people in the case.
Earlier, it came to fore that how the police had initially botched up the probe by destroying crucial evidence.
Hawaldar Tilak Raj, posted at the Hiranagar police station, was arrested after it was prima facie established that he had washed Asifa’s clothes that were soaked in blood and mud before sending them for forensic test. Sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who was the investigative officer, has been detained for questioning, reported the NDTV.
On January 17, body of minor girl was found in the forests near Rasana, Hiranagar. The girl had been missing for a week. According to police, she had been abducted and raped by an SPO Deepak Khajuria, who was a part of the team sent out find her when she was missing.
The investigation of the Crime Branch further revealed that she had been drugged so that she couldn’t cry for help.
On January 23, the Mehbooba Mufti government had ordered a probe into the incident, and subsequently handed over the case to the Crime Branch of police. Several people including two policemen have been arrested so far for involvement in the crime.
However, Hindu Ekta Manch has been protesting in support of the arrested policeman, demanding transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.The Chief Minister has already condemned the rallies being held by Hindu Ekta March and also said that raising the tricolour in such rallies amounts to desecration.
