Kashmir unrest: One arrested in Handwara molestation case

One person was arrested on 18 April night in connection with an alleged molestation case of a minor girl in Handwara. The incident had triggered a cycle of violent protests over the past one week in North Kashmir.

The protests were triggered by rumours alleging that army personnel had molested the girl.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, Hilal Ahmed Bandey is one of the two accused identified. He was picked up from Handwara and is being questioned.

The minor girl in question had named Bandey in her statement before the Chief Judicial Magistrate. Bandey has been accused of molesting the girl while she was stepping out of a restroom in Handwara on 12 April.  

A manhunt was launched to nab the accused named after the girl gave her statement.

The police are on a lookout for the second accused.

Five people were killed during the protests. Meanwhile, curfew-like restrictions continued in Handwara and neighbouring areas.    

• Handwara
• curfew
• molestation
• army