Shocked At Protests Supporting Kathua Rape Accused: Mehbooba Mufti

“Appalled by the marches & protests in defense of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua,” Mehbooba tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday, 16 February, despised a rally by a right-wing group for using the Tricolour, and demanding the release of a police officer arrested in the Kathua rape-and-murder case.

She was referring to the rally taken out by the Hindu Ekta Manch on Thursday in Jammu, demanding the release of Special Police Officer Deepak Khajuria, who was arrested last week in connection with the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district in January.

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

"Appalled by the marches and protests in defense of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their (protesters') use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration," Mehbooba tweeted.

Appalled by the marches & protests in defense of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested & the law will follow its course.

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 16, 2018

The accused was under arrest and the law would follow its course, the chief minister added.

The issue had repeatedly rocked the state Assembly with Opposition parties raising questions and demanding action against the culprits.

Hindu Ekta Manch Threatens Agitation

Claiming that Khajuria was framed in the rape and murder case, the protesters threatened agitation. As per a report in Rising Kashmir, the protesters said, “Deepak should be released, and those whom the Crime Branch has called for questioning, should not be harassed.”

(With inputs from PTI)

(The Quint, in association with BitGiving, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for an 8-month-old who was raped in Delhi on 28 January 2018. The baby girl, who we will refer to as 'Chhutki', was allegedly raped by her 28-year-old cousin when her parents were away. She has been discharged from AIIMS hospital after undergoing three surgeries, but needs more medical treatment in order to heal completely. Her parents hail from a low-income group and have stopped going to work so that they can take care of the baby. You can help cover Chhutki's medical expenses and secure her future. Every little bit counts. Click here to donate.)