Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik asked the police to complete its investigation in the 3-year-old girl rape in Bandipora on a fast track basis. The state police have constituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and one person has already been arrested in this connection. The governor has also directed the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police of Kashmir to personally monitor the investigation, an official spokesman said. The spokesman also stated that a separate investigation has initiated to ascertain the veracity of the age claim of the accused and authenticity of the age certificate. Police have already said on Monday preliminary medical examination has shown that the accused is not a juvenile. The governor has advised the people not to pay attention to the rumors and the rumor mongers will be dealt with separately.
"On learning about the unfortunate incident, the governor immediately spoke to S P Pani, IGP Kashmir, and took a detailed review of the ongoing investigations into the case," the spokesman said. J&K Governor has asked the IGP to work swiftly in the case and ensure that the offender gets exemplary punishment. The governor has also spoken to religious leaders of different communities and asked them to deplore this gruesome incident, and appeal to the people to remain calm and not let anti-social elements disturb peace and harmony, the spokesman said.
Earlier in the day, over 40 security personnel, including an officer, and seven civilians were injured as clashes broke out in Jammu and Kashmir during the protest against the alleged rape of the girl.
