Officials say 13 more suspects have been identified, and efforts are underway to apprehend them; protests were held over harassment allegations involving a female student
Sopore: Police on Wednesday arrested five more persons in connection with alleged vandalism and disruption during a student protest at a government girls’ higher secondary school in Sopore, officials said.
Violent protests erupted following allegations of sexual harassment involving a girl student and a senior lecturer. The demonstrations, initially led by students, escalated into clashes and vandalism, prompting police action and led to the arrest of eight persons. The accused lecturer was reportedly booked after a complaint of sexual assault was filed.
The recent arrests were made during overnight raids as part of an ongoing crackdown on those accused of creating law and order disturbances during the protest, they said.
According to police, the accused had infiltrated the protest and were involved in damaging public property.
Officials said 13 more suspects have been identified, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
Police said the raids and search operations will continue until all those involved are brought to justice.
Reiterating its stand, the police said it would not allow anyone to exploit sensitive situations to disturb public peace and warned of strict action against those found involved.
The police also urged people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order in the area. (KNS).
