CM meets bereaved family of Budgam minor; assures justice, speedy trial

Budgam, May 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday visited Galwanpora village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district to express condolences with the bereaved family of the minor girl who was raped and murdered, even as locals demanded a fast-track trial and strict punishment for the accused involved in the crime.
The Chief Minister met the family members and assured them of justice. His visit comes following the killing of the 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from a field near her village on Sunday.
During the visit, emotional scenes were witnessed as residents, relatives and local youth raised slogans demanding exemplary punishment for the accused and speedy justice for the victim.
Locals appreciated the police for solving the case within a short span of time and termed the investigation “professional and swift”.
One resident, speaking to media persons, appealed to lawyers not to defend the accused in court.
“For humanity’s sake, I request lawyers not to fight the case of this person. If anyone needs money, we are ready to help, but please do not defend someone who has committed such a heinous crime. He deserves the strictest punishment,” the resident said.
Another local demanded stringent action against the accused, saying the authorities should deal with him the same way properties of drug peddlers are seized and demolished.
“As the properties of drug addicts and drug peddlers are being sealed and destroyed, similar action should also be taken against this accused so that such crimes do not happen again,” he said.
Police on Monday arrested the accused, identified as Mudasir, in connection with the rape and murder case, while the investigation into other aspects of the crime is still underway.
The incident has triggered outrage across Jammu & Kashmir, with political parties, civil society groups and religious organisations demanding strict punishment for those involved. (KNO)