Youth demand justice in Kathua rape case

Cries for justice for Kathua victim resonated near Mecca Masjid with as many as 400 youth expressing solidarity with the victim’s family soon after Friday prayers.

The south zone police said while no political party or any organisation was behind the move, the men were mobilised on social media.

Soon after the prayers at around 1.30 p.m., namazis exited the mosque. They carried signs and placards that demanded swift action against the accused. Others demanded capital punishment for them. The demonstrators then tried to move towards Charminar, but were prevented by the police from doing so.

In the past 48 hours, the south zone police have accorded permission for 66 rallies of which 18 were scheduled for Friday.

“We have no objection with those who want to express solidarity with the victims in a peaceful manner. We have provided security for these people as there are little girls who are part of the rallies. But we did not give permission for the Mecca Masjid rally. We noticed that several people there were not from old city,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) V. Satyanarayana.

Several business establishments in some parts of the old city remained shut in solidarity with the victim, while large parts of King Kothi were shut. Posters with photos of the Kathua rape victim were pasted on shutters of several business establishments.