Spate of rape, molestation cases rock Jammu and Kashmir

Far from Uttar Pradesh, the predominately religious Jammu and Kashmir is increasingly becoming unsafe for the women. Two brutal murders of would-be-bride and a pregnant woman, two rapes and molestation of four girl students by a teacher in the last 10 days has sent shivers in Jammu and Kashmir.

A would-be-bride was hammered to death outside her house in Krimshore village of Budgam district in Central Kashmir. The police said that the body of Gulshan, 26, was recovered from Reshund Nallah in Khan Sahab area. Family sources said Gulshan was engaged recently and her marriage was to be solemnised soon. The police have registered a case under section 302 Ranbir Penal Code (murder) and efforts are on to identify the culprits in the incident.

"She had come out of her home when she was killed. We are investigating," said Bashir Ahmad, sub divisional police officer, Khan Sahab.

Police also recovered the body of a pregnant woman from Qazigund area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir. Police said the woman had gone to purchase medicines in Anantnag district when she went missing. Later, her body was found near Mir Bazaar Qazigund.

Massive protest rocked the area with people taking to streets demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Police had to use force to evict the protesters who tried to block the rail tracks. "We have registered a case and investigation is ongoing," said Mumtaz Ahmad, SP Kulgam.

Anger swept across the temple city of Jammu after a 12-year-old rape victim was denied medical treatment in Rajouri hospital. The victim's family was asked to pay for the ambulance to ferry her to Jammu hospital. Family sources said she was allegedly raped when she went to a neighbouring house to fetch water at Nowshera in Rajouri district.

"We were abused in the hospital. Later they asked for money to ferry her in the ambulance to Jammu hospital," said a relative of the victim.

Police have registered a case and arrested the accused. After hue and cry, Jammu and Kashmir government ordered probe into the inhuman attitude of the doctors.

"Enquiry has been conducted and the report has reached the office later in the afternoon. I could not attend the office because I came from Srinagar today," said Dr BS Pathania, director health services Jammu.

Earlier a 22-year-old woman was raped by a 60-year-old man after he abducted her and held her captive for four days in Mendhar area of Poonch district in Jammu.

A school teacher was placed under suspension for allegedly molested four of his students during a picnic in Banihal area of Ramban district a few days ago.

Massive protests rocked Banihal on Wednesday after the news of the molestation of the four girls reached. Under pressure the authorities suspended the teacher and ordered an inquiry.