Molestation case: BJP protests to demand J&K Minister's sacking

BJP today held a demonstration to demand sacking of J&K Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan, facing molestation charges filed by a lady doctor in Sringar, even as several other parties also sought his resignation.

Led by BJP's youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state president Ravinder Sharma, over 200 BJP and BJYM activists protested at the Jammu Press Club against the state health minister.

Raising anti-government and anti-Khan slogans, the protesters burnt the minister's effigy and demanded his sacking from the Council of Minister of the Omar Abdullah government.

"We demand Khan's sacking immediately. He should be arrested," BJYM state chief Ranider Sharma told reporters.

"Government should hold investigation and ensure punishment into the case. As for moral aspect is concerned, the minister should resign forthwith," chief spokesman of J&K BJP Jitender Singh said.

PDP also held a protest here on the issue.

Khan was yesterday booked by police on a complaint by a lady doctor, alleging that he made an attempt to molest her.

A case was registered under Section 354 RPC (assault or criminal force on a woman with the intention to outrage modesty of a woman) and Section 509 RPC (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman).

The complaint was lodged a few days back at police station Shaheedgunj.

It said Khan, who belongs to Congress, allegedly tried to make advances towards the woman doctor and molest her when she visited his office in the state secretariat here on January 28. The woman claimed she was called by the minister's aide to the secretariat office.

On reaching the office, the woman claimed she was asked to see the minister. She said she was then asked to make kahwa (Kashmiri tea).

The woman claimed she felt uncomfortable and quickly left the room after the minister allegedly tried to molest her.

Reacting on the issue, PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar said, "people who stoop so low should be given harshest punishment.

"If J&K government has any shame, it will take proper action and ensure stepping down of the minister," he added.

NC Additional General Secretary Mustafa Kamal said, "The case has been registered, so we should wait for the outcome of the case. Law will take its own course. He will be forced to resigned as he is a man of high moral.