Woman rape by army personnel in Kashmir

Woman alleges rape by army personnel in Kashmir 

Army's 15 Corps Lt General S A Hasnain on Friday denied the Indian Army's involvement in the alleged rape of a Gujjar woman in south Kashmir. Hasnain, however, said strict action would be taken against the guilty but cautioned that the allegations may have been leveled to "defame the force" and disturb the peace.

"If there is any truth in the allegation, criminal act against which strict action must be taken. Army is cooperating in the police investigation and separate investigation of our own," Hasnain told reporters here.

A 30 year old Gujjar woman from Gujjardara-Manzgam in Kulgam district told locals on Thursday that a group of Army men from the nearby camp pounced upon her when she was conducting ablution for prayers near her hutment, raped by two army soldiers of 62 Rastriya Rifles. The police have registered a rape case on the basis of these allegations.

Meanwhile, chief minister Omar Abdullah promised strict action against the guilty. The medical examination of the woman.

They said the swabs taken from the woman have been sent for forensic laboratory in Srinagar. "If any foreign bodies are found in the swabs, the same will be subjected to DNA testing for ascertaining the identity of the bearer."

Asked about the possibility of holding an identification parade, Hasnain said, "We will have to see the legality of this... there are lots of legalities involved in it.''