Bihar Resident Convicted for Minor’s Rape in Kashmir
A fast-track court in Srinagar reached a verdict on Saturday, finding a resident of Bihar guilty of kidnapping and raping a 15-year-old girl in the Habba Kadal area of Srinagar in 2015. The court, presided over by Renu Dogra Gupta, 2nd Additional Sessions Judge, stated that the prosecution had provided substantial evidence supporting the charges.
According to the court’s judgment, the accused, Santosh Kumar Paswan, stands convicted of offenses under Sections 363 and 376 of the Ranbir Penal Code. The court is scheduled to announce the sentencing next week. The prosecution was represented by AAP Farooq Ahmad Malik.
The case against Paswan was initiated following a complaint lodged at Police Station Kralkhud in 2016. The complainant, the girl’s father, reported his daughter missing and suspected Paswan’s involvement, as he had been working at their house.
The prosecution’s case outlined that during a search operation, the girl and Paswan were apprehended while riding a motorcycle near Humhama, heading towards the airport. Evidence, including the motorcycle and air tickets from Srinagar to Delhi, was seized by the police.
A medical examination confirmed the girl’s pregnancy, indicating Paswan’s exploitation of her vulnerability and immaturity. The prosecution argued that Paswan had established illegal terms with the victim after frequenting her home.
