Those involved in the Chhatroo incident should be sentenced to death: G.M. Saroori

• Congress delegation expresses solidarity with the victim’s family, demands transparent, scientific and time-bound investigation
  

KISHTWAR: The tragic death of a minor student in Chhatroo has once again deepened the atmosphere of grief and concern in the area. Amid demands for a transparent and impartial investigation and justice for the bereaved family, a Congress delegation led by senior party leader G.M. Saroori and President District Congress Committee Kishtwar, P. L Shan, Irshad Ahmed Sheikh and others visited the victim’s family, expressed solidarity with them and assured them of all possible support.

On the occasion, Saroori called for strict legal action against all those involved in the incident, their accomplices, and anyone found supporting or assisting the accused in any manner.

Addressing the affected family and local residents, G.M. Saroori said in unequivocal terms that anyone who subjected the girl to cruelty and committed such an inhuman act should face the strictest punishment under law, while every individual found to have aided or supported the crime must also be brought before the law. He said the investigation should not remain confined to a single accused, but should comprehensively examine every aspect of the incident and the role of every possible individual connected with it.

Saroori said that any delay or negligence in such a sensitive matter would be contrary to the demands of justice. He demanded that the investigation be conducted in a completely impartial, scientific, transparent and time-bound manner so that the facts emerge and the victim’s family receives justice without delay.

He said that if the investigation establishes the involvement of any person in the crime, negligence, assistance, concealment of evidence or any attempt to influence the course of the investigation, strict action should be taken against such a person in accordance with law. According to him, justice does not merely mean punishing the principal accused; it also requires determining the role of every person whose involvement in the incident is established during the investigation.

G.M. Saroori rejected attempts to divide the issue along caste or community lines, saying that dividing such a tragic incident on communal or social lines or indulging in politics over it is shameful. He said this concerns a minor girl and her family, and the foremost priority should be justice rather than political or social division.

Referring to his earlier public role, Saroori said that when he was an MLA, he made efforts to reach every household, listen to people’s grievances and stand with them in their moments of happiness and sorrow. He said that although he did not win the elections, he had never forgotten the people and continues to stand with them in their difficulties and times of distress.

Saroori said that Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra was not allowed to visit Chhatroo, following which he held a press conference there and presented his position on the matter. Saroori said he was not aware that other people were also scheduled to visit the area that day, but his own programme to visit Chhatroo had been planned for the past two days.

He said anyone supporting or assisting elements involved in the incident must also be held accountable. Saroori maintained that those who support the accused or provide them any form of assistance cannot be allowed to escape the law.

He also strongly reacted to a statement by a politician regarding bearing the expenses related to the incident. Saroori said that this is not a matter of any individual bearing expenses; it is the responsibility of the government and administration to conduct the investigation, bring the facts to light and ensure justice for the victim’s family.

Taking the name of the Kalima Tayyiba and swearing an oath, Saroori said that he had also written to the SSP regarding the matter and placed his concerns and demands before the authorities.

He also expressed surprise over the reported non-availability of CCTV footage related to the incident and demanded a separate investigation into the matter, particularly to ascertain why footage was not available if CCTV cameras had been installed at relevant locations.

Saroori said the Congress party stands firmly with the victim’s family and supports their legitimate demands. He assured that the party would continue to raise its voice for legal action against anyone found involved in the incident.

The Congress delegation led by G.M. Saroori included DCC Kishtwar president P.L. Shan, Irshad Ahmed Sheikh, Shabir Ahmed Lone, Shariq Saroori, besides office-bearers and workers of the District and Block Congress Committees. The delegation met the victim’s family, expressed sympathy and assured them that they were not alone in this difficult hour.

The delegation also urged the administration to provide complete security, necessary government assistance and all possible support to the family so that they could participate in the legal process without fear, pressure or harassment.

Meanwhile, according to the latest police developments, five persons have so far been reported arrested in connection with the case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been directed to conduct a comprehensive, scientific, impartial and time-bound investigation. The SIT is examining various aspects of the incident, available evidence and the role of individuals who may have been involved.

Following the Chhatroo incident, protests and demands for a transparent and time-bound investigation have continued to emerge from the area. The Congress delegation reiterated its resolve to use all constitutional, legal and democratic means to seek justice for the victim’s family and ensure that all facts concerning the incident are brought to light.