The police have arrested a Territorial Army soldier for allegedly raping a woman at Zurhama village of Kupwara district.
Showkat Ahmad Malik, a resident of neigbouring Trehgam village of the district, has been booked under sections 376 (rape) and 458 (barging into house during night with an aim to assault) of the Ranbir Penal Code.
According to the police, Malik left his Marhama camp around 10 pm Saturday night and reached Zurhama village where he forcibly entered the woman’s house. He then assaulted the woman who raised an alarm. Before her neighbours could come to her rescue, the soldier had allegedly raped the woman. Villagers later caught hold of Malik, beat him and handed him over to police.
“Malik was wearing civilian dress. We apprehend that he was accompanied by his colleague who is absconding,” said SHO of Kupwara Sajad Ahmad. He said the soldiers had been stalking the woman for some time. The woman has been sent for examination. The Army spokesman was unavailable for comment.
