Islamic preacher arrested for sexual assault on minor

Shock and awe has gripped south Kashmir after an Islamic preacher allegedly sodomised a minor student in the madrassa at Pahalgam area of Anantnag district.

Police have registered a case under section 377 Ranbir Penal Code and arrested the accused. The incident came to fore after a formal complaint was lodged in the local police station against the preacher
for allegedly sodomising 12 year old boy at Laridath-Watchoo village of Pahalgam.

Police immediately swung into action and put the accused behind the bars. "This is a very sensitive issue. We cannot disclose much", said an officer.

Sources however said the boy was being imparted Islamic education by the accused in the seminary. On Monday night the accused teacher called the boy to his room where he allegedly sodomized him. The issue triggered a chain reaction following which the police was called in.

"We are investigating the matter. The accused is a known preacher of the seminary. We are not leaving anything to chance", said an officer.

Police is trying hard not to highlight the issue given the religious sensitivities and emotions involved. "We do not want to bring infamy to the seminary because of one bad apple. Therefore we are taking all
steps with caution," said an officer.