(The Stellar News): Three more persons allegedly involved in the June 22, 2017 mob lynching of DSP Mohammed Ayub Pandith in Srinagar have been arrested, Jammu and Kashmir DGP S.P. Vaid said in Srinagar today
We have identified 12 persons in connection with the case and five of them have been arrested
Yesterday Pandith was stripped and lynched by a mob outside the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, triggering outrage across Kashmir and drawing all-round condemnation. The DGP said that the police have resolved not to spare the people behind the act.
“It is the resolve of Jammu and Kashmir Police that we are not going to spare these rascals,” DGP said
“Let the investigation complete, then only we can say what has happened,” he further added. Asked whether moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was present in the Jamia Masjid when the incident took place, Mr. Vaid said, “It is a matter of investigation.” Mr Vaid has also ordered the transfer of a senior officer from the area where a mob lynched Pandith. The order late on June 23, 2017, said SP (North Srinagar) Sajad Khaliq Bhat been transferred and asked to report to the J&K Police headquarters.
Describing the incident as “shameful”, the Chief Minister wondered how long the police would show restraint as she warned that there could be a backlash if the force loses patience. “What can be more shameful than this? I want to say that J&K police is one of the best police forces in the country. They are brave but are showing maximum restraint because they feel that they are dealing with their own people. But for how long? The day their patience wanes, then, I believe, things will be difficult,” she said.
DSP Mohammad Ayoub Pandith was stripped and stoned to death by the mob at around 12.30 AM yesterday when he was caught allegedly clicking pictures of the people coming out of the mosque after ‘Shab-e-qadr’ prayers, police sources said. The mob then went on a rampage, targeting empty security pickets in the area.
