The peaceful town of Sumbal in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district was left shocked and horrified as news broke out that a minor girl was allegedly sexually harassed by a fair shop dealer. The incident took place when the young girl had gone to the dealer’s house for fingerprint formalities sources said.
The victim’s father reported the incident to the police, stating that the accused took advantage of the situation and sexually assaulted his daughter. The police post in Nowgam received the application and swiftly took action.
The police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with FIR number 03/2024, at the Sumbal police station. Senior police officials assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and that the accused has been apprehended. Further investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, locals while reacting to this incident said that this gut-wrenching incident has once again shed light on the need for increased awareness and measures to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from sexual harassment and assault. The justice system must ensure swift and strict action against the perpetrators to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated in our society they added.
