8 arrested, 25 identified after students’ protest, vandalism in Sopore

Sopore, Apr 14: Police have arrested eight persons for their alleged involvement in vandalism during student protests at Sopore in North Kashmir, while 25 more have been identified, officials said on Tuesday.
A police official said that the arrests follow incidents of damage to public and private property during protests that erupted after harassment allegations surfaced against a lecturer in the town a day earlier.
He said the arrested persons were involved in ransacking school property and damaging vehicles. “Eight miscreants have been arrested so far, while 25 more have been identified. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in disturbing public order,” the official said.
Authorities said efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. Police have urged people to maintain calm and refrain from taking law into their own hands.
Inspector General of Police- Kashmir, V K Birdi while talking to reporters here said, “Some elements took law into their own hands. They tried to commit an illegal act.”
He clarified that those involved had no connection with school. “If they try to commit an illegal act, the Jammu and Kashmir Police will take legal action against them,” he warned.
It’s in place to mention here that on Monday, Police registered a case against a senior lecturer posted in Sopore after a girl student accused him of harassment, triggering protests across the town. The protests later turned violent at some places, with demonstrators damaging school property and vehicles. A few persons sustained minor injuries during clashes before police intervened and brought the situation under control.
Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, said the accused teacher has been booked and an investigation has been initiated following the complaint.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir suspended the lecturer with immediate effect and ordered an inquiry into his conduct, while Joint Director North was appointed as inquiry officer and has been asked to submit a report within 15 days. (KNO)