Baramulla: In a case that has shocked Kashmir and triggered widespread outrage, Baramulla Police have arrested two men accused of allegedly gang raping a woman, recording the assault on a mobile phone, and showing the video to others, a move that ultimately helped investigators trace and arrest them.
The accused have been identified as Shakir Gani Lone (23), a JCB driver, and Ashraf Hamid Dar, a Sumo driver, both residents of Jalshree Drangbal in Baramulla.
According to police, the incident occurred on July 3 at Jalshree Drangbal. The victim approached Police Station Baramulla on July 25 after a gap of 22 days and lodged a complaint, narrating that she had gone on an outing with a male friend when the two accused allegedly followed them, assaulted the man, forcing him to flee, and then sexually assaulted her one after the other.
Police said the accused allegedly recorded the assault on a mobile phone and later showed the video to others. During the investigation, the circulation of the video proved to be a crucial lead that enabled investigators to identify the suspects and piece together the sequence of events.
A case under FIR No. 112/2026 has been registered at Police Station Baramulla under the relevant provisions of law.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Gurinder Pal Singh, accompanied by the SDPO, SHO and Investigating Officer Sub-Inspector Meenakashi, said both accused have confessed to the crime during questioning and remain in police custody.
The SSP said investigators have collected material evidence, recovered relevant exhibits and taken the accused to the alleged scene of the crime as part of the investigation to reconstruct the sequence of events and gather further evidence.
While appreciating the prompt investigation by Baramulla Police, people have demanded the strictest punishment for the accused, with many calling for exemplary action under the law.
Police said the investigation is continuing and all legal procedures are being carried out in accordance with the law. [KNT]
