Mehbooba appalled over protests supporting rape accused

Jammu :  Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expressed disgust over expression of solidarity with a rape accused.

“Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua,” the Chief Minister said.

“Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations. This is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course.”

The Chief Minister was reacting to protests carried out by the Hindu Ekta Munch in support of Deepak Kumar, a Special Police Officer (SPO) arrested by the Crime Branch for the rape and murder of a minor nomad at Hira Nagar in Kathua district.

The body of the eight-year-old Asifa was found on January 17 in Rasana village of Kathua district.

Crime Branch officials arrested the man, alleging that he had held the girl hostage, raped and murdered her.

IANS