A Kashmiri journalist has been arrested by the police for allegedly sedating and raping a girl student who approached him for help in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Nadeem Ahmad Ganie has been suspended by his employer Global News Service.
Kashmir Police has registered a case under sections 376 (rape), 384 (extortion), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Women police station in Srinagar. It has also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.
Nadeem is a resident of Qazibagh area of Anantnag district.
In her complaint, the rape survivor said that she came in contact with the scribe through a WhatsApp group, which was created for people seeking help. He allegedly offered help to the girl and later forced her into a sexual relationship frequently after sedating her.
“The victim also alleged that the accused took objectionable pictures of her after sedating her. He used these photos to blackmail her into sexual intercourse many times,” police said.
Nadeem also allegedly took gold ornaments of the girl student, who was studying in an institute in central Kashmir.
Deputy superintendent of police (headquarters) Owais Wani will lead the SIT which will also comprise of deputy SP Sleet Shah, SHO Khalida Parveen, and ASI Mohd Yousuf Shah as members.
On its part, Global News Service issued a statement, distancing itself from the accused. “Pending investigations into the case, the organization hereby suspends him from the membership of GNS,” its editor said.
“Our organization would also like to put on record that we or any of our associates do not support/condone/justify any crime or any criminal act or any such behaviour which is illegal or immoral, in particular against women,” the news outlet stated.
“As a cautionary word, it is also explicitly stated to our affiliates/associates/members that the organisation shall not tolerate and be accountable for anything done by any member that brings the organisation into disrepute.”