J-K govt assures fair probe in Kathua rape-murder case

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh today assured a fair probe into the rape and murder case of a minor girl in Kathua district, saying people involved in such a heinous crime have no religion.
The girl's body was recovered from Rassana forest on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area.
On January 23, the government handed over the murder case to the state police's crime branch which arrested a Special Police Officer (SPO) in February for his alleged involvement in abduction and killing of the girl.
Earlier, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had arrested a 15-year-old boy and claimed the accused had strangulated the victim after she resisted his rape attempt.

On behalf of the government, I assure a fair investigation into the alleged rape and murder of the minor girl. All the people are on board seeking justice for the victim, Singh told reporters at the BJP headquarters here.
Linking the incident with religion is not good. A culprit or a criminal has no religion Those who are trying to play politics over the incident are indulging in making mockery of justice with the victim, he said.

His remarks came after two BJP ministers participated in a rally by the Hindu Ekta Manch that is demanding a CBI probe into the incident.

Defending the attendance of the ministers -- Lal Singh and Chandar Prakash Ganga -- he said they were there to assure the protesters that a fair probe would be conducted and no body would be harassed without any reason.
On the demand of CBI probe, Singh said the government is working in accordance with the law of the land.
A minor girl was allegedly raped and killed, and everyone is demanding action against the culprits involved in this heart-wrenching incident, he said, asking people to inform about any evidence of harassment by the investigation agencies. The criminals will not be shielded, he said.

On a question about the Kashmir problem, the deputy chief minister said a 1994 parliament resolution makes it clear that if there is an outstanding issue it is about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This is the stand of the BJP as well." Kashmir is a part of India, he said.