Published: August 12, 2009

Kashmir Govt. to Order CBI Probe Into Shopian Incident

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Rising Kashmir News

Srinagar, Aug 12: After allegations that the evidence in the twin rape and murder of two women were tampered, the Kashmir government on Wednesday said it is ready to get the case probed by India's premier investigative agency CBI, if the local court permits.

Responding to the queries of lawmakers in Kashmir Assembly, Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather said that the government is concerned about the rape and murder of two women in Shopian and the way the members raised the issue in the House today shows the gravity of the matter.

He clarified that the government in no way would allow anybody to hide anything about the incident. "The exemplary punishment would be given to those involved in the heinous crime," he said adding, "The Government on the next working day would bring to the notice of the Court, to get the Shopian incident investigated by the CBI, as desired by the members of the House."

Intervening on the insistence of some members, the Speaker said that the court has taken cognizance of the incident. "The government should get the Shopian incident investigated by the CBI with the consent of the Court," he said.

Earlier, the legislators rising above party affiliations displayed copies of a newspaper carrying a story about fudging of the forensic material taken from the victims of case, demanding discussion on the issue.

Two women - Asiya (17) and her 22 year old sister-in-law Neelofar were found dead in a shallow stream on May 29/30. During investigations, it was proved that the two women were raped and killed. The inquiry commission raised the finger towards men in uniform.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.