We have investigated the case in a professional manner, based on scientific evidence: IGP Syed Ahfadul Mujtaba

Inspector General of Police Syed Ahfadul Mujtaba, 57, assumed the charge of J&K's Crime Branch when the state was caught in protests over the Kathua case. The 1998 batch IPS officer tells DNA how the case was cracked.

Q: How did you solve the case?

The juvenile said the girl was kept in a cowshed. Our investigation revealed that she was kept in a devasthan. It's not really a temple. A temple is frequented by people. Aarti is performed there twice a day. Only those people visit a devasthan whose family deity is placed there. We found some hair strands on the premises. DNA testing showed they were the girl's.

Q: How did you unearth the nexus between some policemen and the accused?

Forensic reports showed there was no mud or blood on the girl's clothes. But photos showed mud on her clothes. We got suspicious. Once the postmortem is done, clothes are sealed as they are. We found that a policeman had washed them.

Q: Did you face any pressure?

No. We have investigated the case in a professional manner, based on scientific evidence.

Q: Was the Crime Branch SIT able to conduct its investigation smoothly?

There are small hiccups in all investigations. We also had some small hiccups. But they were overcome.

Q: The chargesheet gives exhaustive and chilling details about the crimes…

We have put out the chargesheet before the court. If the defence wants to contest it, it should contest it there. The prosecution will put out its case and evidence in the court.

Q: Has the investigation redeemed the image of police despite the fact that some officers were arrested?

It is up to the people to say how they feel about it. I cannot comment on it.