A day after protests erupted over an alleged sexual assault case at a school in Sopore sub district of Jammu and Kashmir, Police on Tuesday said it has arrested eight persons involved in vandalism during the student demonstration, while identifying at least 25 more suspects.
Officials said the arrested individuals were involved in damaging public property and disturbing law and order during the protest.
In a post on X, Sopore police said they arrested eight miscreants involved in vandalism during a student protest and identified 25 other suspects.
“Strict action underway against those disturbing public order,” the post said. Police, however, did disclose the identities of those arrested.
Intense student protest had broken out on Monday following allegations of sexual assault against a school lecturer at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore.
Police had earlier arrested the accused lecturer in connection with the case. The individual, an Urdu lecturer, had already been placed under suspension by the authorities after students staged protests demanding action.
According to an official order issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, the lecturer was with immediate effect pending an inquiry.
He was attached to Boys Higher Secondary School Badugam in Gurez, and the Joint Director (North) has been appointed as the inquiry officer to submit a report within 15 days.
On Monday, tensions escalated as a large number of girl students assembled outside the school premises, alleging sexual harassment and calling for strict action. Senior police and civil administration officials rushed to the spot to pacify the protesters.
Officials said investigation into both the assault case and the vandalism incidents is ongoing.
