Police arrest man wanted in 1987 rape case

Budgam, Apr 15: Police in Budgam have arrested a man accused in a rape case dating back to 1987, bringing to the fore a decades-old case that had remained unresolved.
The accused, identified as Bashir Ahmad Ganaie originally from Drer Kalipora in Shopian and presently residing in Kulgam, was wanted in connection with FIR No. 237/1987 registered at Police Station Budgam under Sections 366 and 376 of the Ranbir Penal Code.
According to police, the accused had remained absconding since the case was registered. Officials said he was apprehended following specific inputs during an operation carried out by a team from Police Station Budgam.
The arrest comes nearly 39 years after the case was first registered, raising questions about the prolonged delay in securing custody of the accused and the pace of follow-up in long-pending cases.
Police said the accused is now in custody, and further legal proceedings will follow in accordance with the law.
Section 366 of the Ranbir Penal Code relates to kidnapping or abducting a woman to compel marriage or illicit intercourse, while Section 376 pertains to the offence of rape. [KNT]