Finally, the Truth: Handwara Molestation Victim Speaks Out
The Handwara incident had triggered violent protests, leading to clashes between the Army and the public.
A girl who had earlier claimed that she was molested by a soldier in Handwara, Jammu Kashmir, has now said that she was forced by the police to retract her statement for the sake of her family’s safety.
She also said that she wants an FIR to be registered against the man who allegedly assaulted her.
On 12 April, reports stated that a minor girl was sexually assaulted by an army man outside a public washroom in Handwara.
The case triggered protests in and around Handwara, with stone-pelting crowds surrounding the army base. Four people were killed in the clash.
In the following days, a video was released by the army and posted on social networks, showing the girl denying her earlier claims.
Denied Assault for Family’s Safety
However, the video was was met with skepticism regarding its authenticity. The family of the girl also came out and said that she was forced to record the statement after being repeatedly detained by police.
Also Read: Handawara: Girl Pressurised to Give Video Statement, Says Mother
On 16 May, the girl spoke to the media saying her image was at stake to protect the reputation of the army. She said she recorded the ‘false’ video denial to protect her family.
Also Read: The Truth About Handwara Cannot be Obscured by a Jingoistic Media
(With agency inputs)
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