Kathua rape: Accused's lawyer defends Aseem Sawhney's appointment

The lawyer of the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case, Ankur Sharma, has criticised former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti for her tweet on the appointment of Aseem Sawhney as new Additional Advocate General (AAG).

"Mehbooba Mufti has just showcased her ignorance more profoundly through her tweets, Additional Advocate General doesn't control public prosecutors," Sharma told ANI.

Mufti denounced the Jammu and Kashmir government for appointing Swahney as the AAG for the Jammu wing of the High Court, who was earlier representing the main accused in the alleged Kathua rape and murder case.

"Ironic that a day after celebrating World Day for International Justice, the defence counsel in the horrific rape & murder Kathua case has been appointed as Additional Advocate General. 1/3" she tweeted.

"Rewarding those who defend alleged murderers & rapists is abhorrent & a shocking violation of the spirit of justice. Such a move will only serve to encourage the rape culture rampant in our society. Expect the @jandkgovernor to intervene. 2/2," another tweet read.

The state Department of Law on Tuesday issued a notification, which named 16 advocates for the designation of additional advocates general, deputy advocates general and government advocates.

The victim in the alleged rape-and-murder case was an eight-year-old girl who belonged to a nomadic Muslim tribe. She was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed in January.