Warns against communalising the case; says spreading rumours or giving communal colour is punishable under law, strict action to follow
Leh, Dec 30: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leh Shree Ram R on Tuesday said that a missing minor reported earlier this month was successfully rescued following a swift inter-district operation, while the accused involved has been arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act.
Speaking to media persons, SSP Leh, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), said that on December 20, a missing report was received at a police station in Leh from the parents of the minor. “As per mandatory procedure, an FIR was immediately registered and investigation was initiated,” he said.
During the investigation, police received credible inputs that the minor had allegedly been enticed by a person from Kargil. “Further information gathered through our sources revealed that both the accused and the victim were present in Srinagar at that time,” the SSP said.
He said a police team immediately intervened and brought them back. “While they were returning, the Zojila Pass was closed due to weather conditions, resulting in our team being stranded on opposite sides near Sonamarg. Despite this, on the morning of December 29, the police successfully recovered the victim and brought her safely to Leh,” he said.
The SSP said the accused was arrested the same day and the victim was rescued immediately. “During further investigation, it came to light that the case involved offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including allegations of sexual assault. Accordingly, relevant sections of POCSO have been invoked and investigation is underway,” he added.
He further said that all mandatory legal procedures are being followed. “The Child Welfare Committee has been informed, and other statutory processes are in progress. A special investigation team has also been constituted, headed by IPS officer Rishab Shukla as the Chief Investigating Officer, along with other members,” the SSP said.
The SSP Leh also issued a strong warning against attempts to give a communal colour to the case. “Some people on social media are spreading rumours and trying to divert the case in a communal direction. I want to categorically state that this is an individual criminal case and has no communal angle whatsoever,” he said.
He warned that such actions are punishable under law. “Section 196 provides for strict punishment for those spreading communal hatred or misinformation. We have already taken action against one individual and will not hesitate to take further legal action if such activities continue,” the SSP said.
He further appealed to the media and public to strictly follow the law. “No one has the right to reveal the identity or location of the victim in a POCSO case. Any violation of these legal provisions will invite strict action,” the SSP cautioned.
He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and allow the investigation to proceed without interference or misinformation. (KNC)
