One of the two accused named in the Handwara molestation case, which caused a week of protests, violence and the death of five people in Jammu and Kashmir has been arrested. Hilal Ahmed Bandey was one of the two men the girl had accused of molesting her, in a statement before the chief judicial magistrate, according to the police. However, the police believe they will only get to the bottom of the case when they find the second accused, reported PTI.
In her statement, the girl said she was leaving a public restroom on April 12 when she was assaulted and her bag snatched. One of the attackers was wearing a school uniform. An angry mob had gathered soon after the incident and this subsequently spiralled into days of violence in the town. Initially, the girl had said Army personnel had molested her.
Local administration on Tuesday removed three Army bunkers in the town. Locals have demanded removal of all Army posts in the town after protests broke out on April 12. Curfew-like restrictions continue in the town and areas nearby.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!