Srinagar, 15 July (H.S.): An alleged rape and murder of a woman in Safapora area of Ganderbal district has triggered widespread outrage, with residents demanding swift justice to the victim.
According to locals, the woman was found dead after visiting her relative’s residence. Initially presumed to have died of natural causes, suspicions arose after police insisted on a postmortem. The medical report later confirmed it was a case of rape and murder, prompting immediate protests.
Residents today observed a complete shutdown in Safapora. Shops and businesses remained closed as locals gathered in the main market, shouting slogans and demanding capital punishment for the accused. “We want the murderer to be hanged in the main chowk. This is the first such horrific incident in our area, and we will not remain silent,” a protester said.
Eyewitnesses said the victim had stayed the night at her sister-in-law’s house, as they had plans for a picnic the next day. However, she developed a toothache and was taken to the hospital by her brother-in-law. Locals allege that on their way back, he took her to a secluded spot, where he raped and killed her.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, visited the protest site and assured a transparent investigation. “All forensic samples have been collected and sent for analysis. This case is being treated as a murder, and I guarantee an arrest will be made soon. There will be no bail,” he told the crowd.
Poswal also asked the community to form a four-member liaison team to stay updated on the investigation. “This is not just about law and order; it is about ensuring justice,” he said.
Poswal added that the victim’s family had initially hesitated to consent to a postmortem, but police suspected foul play and proceeded with a detailed investigation.
“Accordingly, we constituted a team and carried out a detailed investigation and called the suspected person. And after connecting his sequence of events, we have detained that person, and an FIR has been registered. We will ensure that there is justice in this matter,” he added.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
