A horrific incident in the Nishat area on the outskirts of Srinagar has left the Kashmir Valley in shock. A 45-year-old woman from the nomadic Bakerwal community was allegedly gang-raped and murdered by four men. She was found grievously injured and later declared dead at a hospital in Srinagar.
Police have registered an FIR and confirmed that all four accused have been arrested. A police spokesperson said, “We have taken cognizance of the incident. An FIR under relevant sections has been registered and investigation is ongoing.”
The victim had recently migrated from Reasi district with her community and cattle, as they do every year for the summer season. According to her son, she had gone to graze cattle around 5 PM but did not return. “When she didn’t come back, we went out to search for her,” he was quoted as saying by local media.
During the search, community members reportedly found one of the accused near the injured woman. “He was wearing a white trouser soaked in blood,” her son said. The man was handed over to the police. The woman was first taken to a nearby hospital where no doctor was available, and later to Srinagar, where she was declared dead.
She is survived by five children.
The incident has triggered widespread anger, with leaders from across political parties demanding strict punishment and justice.
PDP MLA Rafiq Ahmed Naik said, “A tragic incident has shaken our conscience — a tribal woman was brutally sexually assaulted in the Nishat area of Srinagar, and she later succumbed. This horrifying act demands immediate and unwavering justice.”
Naik also called for a ban on alcohol and drugs in the Valley, blaming these substances for increasing violence and moral decay.
National Conference leader Ali Mohammad Sagar described the act as “an assault on humanity itself.” He added, “I commend the police for arresting the four involved, but justice demands swift and severe punishment. Let us unite against violence and foster a culture of safety for all.”
Sajjad Gani Lone, chairman of the Peoples Conference, called it a “barbaric crime” and demanded a fast-track trial.
Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari said the incident was deeply shameful and horrifying. “Those involved in this heinous crime must be brought to justice,” he said.
Sheikh Khursheed of the AIP called for the harshest punishment. “Such barbarity has no place in our society. Swift, exemplary justice is non-negotiable,” he said.
