Srinagar, May 06: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across the Valley, a 45-year-old nomadic woman from the Bakerwal community was allegedly gang-raped and murdered in Srinagar’s Nishat area, just a week after migrating from Reasi district with her family and cattle.
The victim, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal community, had migrated from Reasi district to the area with other community members just a week before the incident.
Community members said, “The woman had left her home (tent) around 5 p.m. on Sunday to graze the cattle in the nearby area. When she did not return with the cattle, we went to search for her.”
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They stated that they found a few men near the injured woman. One youth was caught beating her while the others fled. The accused was apprehended and handed over to the police, they added.
According to community members, the woman was found soaked in blood with her clothes torn.
She was taken to a nearby hospital for a medical check-up, but doctors were not available there. She was later taken to a hospital in Srinagar, where doctors declared her dead.
Police have taken cognizance of the reported incident of sexual assault near Water Works Road, Nishat. A police spokesperson said that an FIR under relevant sections of the law has been registered.
Four accused have been arrested in connection with the crime, police said, adding that further investigation is ongoing.
Community members said this was the first such incident they had faced in the Valley despite migrating here for decades, alleging that the accused were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs during the crime.
The deceased woman is survived by five children—three daughters and two sons. According to family sources, only one daughter has been married so far, while the rest are still dependent on the family. Her sudden and tragic loss has left the family devastated. Community members said the children are in deep shock, struggling to cope with the loss of their mother.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the Valley, with mounting public demands for swift justice and strict punishment for the accused.
People have demanded a ban on alcohol and drugs in the Valley, citing it as a preventive measure against such incidents in the future.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep shock over the horrific incident in Nishat.
“This shocking incident should shake us deeply. It reflects the moral depravity being increasingly witnessed in our society, driven by exposure to obscenity on the net, the scourge of alcohol and drug addiction, corruption and greed, and the loss of a moral sense among sections of people. As a people guided by faith, unless we consciously stand against the collapse of values and loss of a moral compass, we will be lost. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah grant the victim eternal peace and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly!” said Mirwaiz in a statement.
MLA Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali, also condemned the incident and called for a fast-track trial to ensure timely justice for the victim.
Various other leaders also strongly condemned the incident and demanded a fast-track trial.
