• Victim says threats forced her to remain silent
• Police crack case using technical evidence, human intelligence
Baramulla: The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla have arrested two men for allegedly gang raping a 21-year-old woman, filming the assault on a mobile phone and threatening her with dire consequences to prevent her from reporting the crime.
The arrests were made after an intensive investigation that relied on technical evidence, human intelligence and scientific methods, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference, the SSP said the victim approached the Police Station, Baramulla, on July 25 and lodged a written complaint stating that the incident had occurred on July 3 in the Jalsheeri Drangbal area.
According to police, the woman had gone to the spot with a male friend when two unidentified men allegedly confronted them, harassed them and began recording videos on their mobile phones.
The accused allegedly assaulted the woman’s companion and chased him away before overpowering the victim and sexually assaulting her. Police said the accused also recorded the assault on a mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
During the incident, the victim heard the accused addressing each other as “Shakir” and “Ashraf”, which initially served as the only clue available to investigators.
“The victim delayed reporting the crime because she had allegedly been threatened by the accused. We have ensured her safety and provided necessary protection,” SSP Singh said.
Following the complaint, police registered FIR No. 112/2026 under Sections 70(1) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation was assigned to PSI Menakshi under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Baramulla and the Station House Officer of Police Station Baramulla.
The SSP said investigators carried out extensive searches and analysed technical leads while gathering human intelligence to establish the identities of the accused.
“Since the victim knew the accused only by their first names, the investigation was particularly challenging. Through sustained technical analysis and human intelligence, we identified and arrested both accused,” he said.
The arrested men have been identified as Shakir Ahmad Lone (22), son of Abdul Gani Lone, and Mohammad Ashraf Dar (27), son of Abdul Hamid Dar, both residents of Jalsheeri, Baramulla. Police said Ashraf Dar works as a driver.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted their involvement in the crime. Police have also recovered the mobile phone allegedly used to record the assault.
SSP Singh said investigators are now collecting scientific, medical and digital evidence to strengthen the case.
He said Baramulla Police remain committed to conducting a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation to ensure that all evidence is gathered in accordance with the law and that those responsible face strict legal action.
