Sopore, Feb 17 (KNO): After nine years of trial Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Sopore on Monday convicted a self-proclaimed faith healer in a sexual assault case.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the said case was registered in 2016 under FIR No. 22/2016 U/S 377 of the erstwhile Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) at Police Station Bomai after the victim’s father lodged a complaint with the then SSP Sopore, alleging that his son had been subjected to “unnatural sexual assault” by the accused, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, also known as Aijaz Molvi of Mundji village.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the supervision of Ashish Mishra, who is now serving as Superintendent of Police (SP).
Following a thorough investigation, statements of witnesses were recorded, and a charge sheet was filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Sopore.
The trial proceeded with the prosecution presenting all relevant evidence, while the defence produced six witnesses in its attempt to counter the charges.
After extensive arguments from both sides, the court delivered its verdict today, convicting the accused.
The case has now moved to the stage of determining the quantum of punishment, for which further arguments will be heard.
Speaking on the development, prosecuting officer, Mirza Zahid Khalil told KNO that the conviction serves as a significant step toward justice, encouraging victims of such crimes to come forward and seek legal recourse.
Authorities have urged the public to make use of legal avenues to report such crimes, stressing that timely action can help curb social offenses and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the court has directed the Superintendent of Police, Sopore, to immediately facilitate the registration of separate FIRs concerning other victims, ensuring that each victim's claims are adjudicated separately.
Additionally, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has been requested to provide immediate legal aid to these victims to safeguard their access to justice.
A compliance report must be filed within 90 days, detailing the steps taken for separate FIR registrations and investigations, the court said—(KNO)