Srinagar: In yet another incident of braid chopping, a woman of Alhuda Colony, Malbagh area in Hazratbal, Srinagar, became the latest victim on Sunday.
The incident took place 10:20 am.
Police while confirming the incident told Free Press Kashmir that the family tried to ‘manhandle them and blamed them for the incident.’
The victim, who is married (name with held), was mopping the floor in the corridor of the ground storey of her house, when the braid chopper struck.
According to victim’s family, the braid chopper came from behind and strangulated her with her own scarf due to which she couldn’t cry for help.
They further added that the braid chopper sprayed on her face, left her unconscious and cut her braid after which he fled from the spot immediately.
“We were not present during the incident. The moment we entered home, we found her unconscious in the corridor and her hair was littered on the floor. We raised an alarm,” said one of the family member.
Arif Ahmad Sofi, a neighbour of the victim, while speaking to The Free Press Kashmir said, “I was in my room, when suddenly hue and cry regarding a braid chopper being present in the locality started. The moment I heard the screams, I jumped from the window and searched every lane and bylane of the locality to nab the criminal but he had run away.”
Arif also added, “After I reached the victim’s home, I found her whole face was sprayed and she was totally unconscious. The family was in deep shock.”
Mohommad shafi, the father in law of the victim said “We are extremely scared. We don’t know what to do next. We were outside when she (victim) was at home and attacked and now we want the culprits to be booked to do away with this braid chopping spree,” he said.
The victim has been taken to SKIMS institute for her examination.
According to doctors who are attending her said she will remain under observation up to 48 hours as she was sprayed intensively.
Meanwhile some people of the area raised slogans against government and forces for failing to stop the braid chopping spree.
When police officials of the concerned station in Soura were contacted, they confirmed that a braid chopping incident happened today morning.
“At around 10:20 am, the incident took place and we are investigating the matter. The victim is in SKIMS now and our team has visited the hospital. But the family of the victim tried to manhandle with us and blamed us for this incident”, said a police officer.
He further added that an FIR has not been lodged yet.
“Our team has gone to get an application from the family, then only we can proceed in this matter,” the official added.