The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said they arrested four people for allegedly sexually assaulting a nomadic woman while she was grazing goats on the outskirts of the city on Sunday.
The woman, who suffered grievous injuries in the assault, was rushed to a hospital where she was declared brought dead on arrival last evening, Police said.
Srinagar Police said they acted promptly upon receiving information about an attempted sexual assault on a woman by a group of individuals near Nishat.
Following the incident, an FIR under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Nishat and investigation was immediately initiated.
“During the course of investigation, four accused persons were identified and arrested,” police said.
The accused were identified by police as Suhail Bashir Bhat of Asham Sumbal Bandipora; Adil Ali Bhat & Firdous Ahmad Rather — both residents of Zeethyar Nishat — and Suhail Afzal Bhat of Pahloo Brein, Srinagar.
Family members of the deceased woman said one of the accused, whom they managed to catch at the scene, appeared to be in an inebriated state.
The gruesome incident has sparked widespread outrage, with residents demanding capital punishment for the accused and a complete ban on alcohol consumption.
Nomadic families said this is the first such incident in decades, leaving the community in deep shock.
“I demand fast-track investigation into the incident and exemplary punishment to the perpetrators,” National Conference leader and Member of Legislative Assembly Kangan Mian Mehar Ali said.
PDP leader Ilitja Mufti said the culprits must be brought to book for the crime.
