Kathua rape case: J-K Dy CM defends probe by crime branch

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Nirmal Singh today defended the investigation by the crime branch into the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district, saying it was a court-monitored probe.

Asserting that the culprits in the case must be punished, he said if someone is not satisfied with the probe, he can move the court and put forth his point.

Jammu has been tense since the brutal rape and murder of the girl belonging to the nomadic Muslim Bakerwal community in January. The police have arrested eight people in the case, but the Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ) has opposed the action alleging "targeting of minority Dogras".

Batting strongly for justice for the victim, the BAJ had yesterday claimed that the probe by the crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police was done on questionable line amid threats and coercion by a team of officers from Kashmir Valley including one who served jail term for alleged rape and murder of a minor.

Defending the investigation by the crime branch, the deputy chief minister said, "Witnesses were brought to the court, and the court was made aware about the probe from time to time. We are clear that the investigation (by the crime branch) was fair."
"Our party (BJP) and the government are on same page that culprits should be severely punished. Culprits and criminals have no religion. The girl should get justice, that is our resolve," Singh told PTI, adding, "Our state executive are on record saying that the criminals should be punished."