Judicial remand for 2 soldiers accused of rape

Syed Basharat SRINAGAR, Feb 21: Two army personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry division (JAKLI) accused of kidnapping and subsequent rape of a woman from Sopore were sent to central jail on judicial remand today.

The two accused army personnel constable Bal Krishan and Rakesh Kumar, both residents of Jammu, today appeared for surrender before the court of principal district and session's judge Srinagar for their alleged involvement in an abduction and rape case that took place on October 27, 2004.

However, the principal district and session's judge Hussnain Masoodi taking strong cognizance of the nature of crime sent them to central Jail Srinagar on judicial remand.

It is pertinent to mention here that a Shahnaza (name changed) a resident of Sopore was traveling in Tata Sumo from Jammu to Srinagar on October 27, 2004.

She reached Tourist Reception Center (TRC) Srinagar in the evening.

Ashwani Kumar, Sanjiv Kumar and Shams-u-Din were traveling in the same vehicle.

Taking advantage of the evening and Shahnaza's helplessness the three accused motivated her that they would accompany her to a nearby guest house (Sahara Guest House) Rajbagh.

The helpless lady trapped in the deceit of three hooligans, agreed and accompanied them to the guest house.

At the guest house she was given a separate room and in the dead of night the three accused raped her.

Later after a hue and cry raised by the locals the police station Rajbagh registered an FIR under number 32 of 2004 against five accused under section 366 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) and 109 (breach of peace and security) RPC.

Former principal district and session's judge Srinagar Mohammad Yaqoob Mir who was earlier hearing this case, while reprimanding the police investigating officers, had issued a non bailable warrant against these two army personnel.

Police had already arrested two accused army personnel (JAKLI)-Ashwani Kumar son of Ramchandar resident of Jammu, Sanjiv Kumar son of Amarnath resident of Nowshera Jammu and driver of the passenger vehicle Shams-u-Din son of Hamid Minhas resident of Jammu-on the same day of the incident.

But all three were later released on bail.

However, the police had let off their two accomplices Bal Krishan and Rakesh Kumar.

The court today fixed February 23 for arguments on bail application moved by the accused JAKLI personnel.