Mehbooba Mufti meets PM Modi over Kathua gangrape, expresses displeasure over probe

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday at New Delhi amid protests over Kathua gangrape case. She alleged that the probe carried out by Crime Branch in the incident was unfair.

The case involves brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua.

The gangrape led to wide scale protests in Jammu and Kashmir. The crime assumed communal overtones since the victim was a Muslim, while the perpetrators belonged to Hindu community.

Mufti expressed concern that the gangrape has polarised the state creating security concerns.

Talks between the two leaders largely delved into security and development matters of the state.

Mufti expressed displeasure about BJP ministers in her government, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Singh, joining protests led by fringe group Hindu Ekta Manch, who opposed action against the rape accused, which included Special Police Officer (SPO) Deepak Khajuria.

A source said, "For the first time, the Bakherwal Muslims feel they have been targeted because of their religion. Further, a report sent to PMO suggests that Pakistan or even separatists may try to influence the nomad community, who are spread out in almost all districts, particularly in the border areas."

A source in Mufti government said, "While the Centre largely feels that only six districts of Kashmir are disturbed, intelligence reports revealed a more dangerous trend."

Gujjar and Bakherwal communities have been known for their historic pro-India stance. The crime sparked tensions between Gujjar-Bakherwal and the majority community.

Sources say the motive behind killing the victim was to dislodge the Bakherwal Muslims from Rasana village in Kathua, largely to instill fear in the nomad community.

While Kashmir is PDP's domain, BJP is largely popular across the Jawahar Tunnel.

The problem began with the involvement of SPO Khajuria who was a complicit in the crime with two other cops who were arrested for attempting to destroy evidence.

The Crime Branch has been handing the case since January 22 even as BJP leaders in the state have sought a CBI probe.

Mehbooba also met Home Minister Rajnath Singh before heading back to the Valley.

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