Srinagar/ New Delhi, Dec 26:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has intervened decisively following the assault on a Kashmiri shawl vendor in Uttarakhand, stating that such acts of violence are a violation of constitutional rights and will be met with the full force of the law.
A top official from the MHA confirmed that the Ministry has taken “strong note” of the incident in Kashipur. The Ministry emphasized that Kashmiri traders are equal citizens of India with the fundamental right to conduct business anywhere in the country.
“MHA has made it unequivocally clear that such acts against Kashmiri shawl sellers will not be tolerated at any cost. Constitutionally, they are entitled to work in any part of India without fear or intimidation,” the official stated.
The intervention from New Delhi acted as a catalyst, prompting Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth and the Governor to place the investigation on top priority, leading to a swift crackdown on the perpetrators.
The victim, Bilal Ahmad Ganie (28) of Kupwara, has been traveling to Uttarakhand for over eight years to support his family during the winter months. On December 22, he was intercepted by a group led by Ankur Singh, a local Bajrang Dal leader. Bilal was hounded, physically assaulted, and subjected to death threats. He was also forcibly coerced into chanting slogans during the attack. Reports indicate that initial pressure was applied to settle the matter through a “mafinama” (apology letter) at the Goshala Police Chowki. A viral video of the assault sparked nationwide outrage, bringing the matter to the attention of the MHA and forcing the formal registration of the case.
Following the MHA’s directive, law enforcement launched a coordinated operation. Three accused persons, including the primary accused Ankur Singh, have already been arrested.
FIR No. 517/2025 has been registered under several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): | BNS Section | Offence Category | | :— | :— | | Section 191(2) | Rioting | | Section 115(2) | Voluntarily causing hurt | | Section 126(2) | Wrongful restraint | | Section 351(3) & 352 | Criminal intimidation and Assault | | Section 304 | Snatching (related to wares/stock) | | Section 62 & 292 | Coercion and Abusive/Objectionable acts |
Senior police officials in Uttarakhand have stated that the case is being investigated in “mission-mode.” They assured the public that no external pressure or attempts at informal settlement would be allowed to derail the prosecution.
The investigation aims to identify all individuals involved in the mob and ensure a transparent, time-bound legal process to deliver justice to Bilal Ganie.
