Jammu, April 4:
In a major breakthrough for the Jammu and Kashmir Police, a long-evading absconder accused of raping a minor has been arrested after five years on the run. The operation, spanning across state lines, marks a significant success for the Kishtwar Police in their ongoing crackdown on fugitives.
The Case: Five Years of Evasion
The accused, identified as Avtar Singh, a resident of Thakrai village in Kishtwar, had been wanted since 2021.
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The Allegations: Singh was named in an FIR registered at the Kishtwar Police Station involving the rape of a minor girl from Himachal Pradesh.
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Legal Charges: The case was registered under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
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The Arrest: Following specific intelligence inputs, a specialized police team tracked Singh to a location in Himachal Pradesh. A well-coordinated raid was executed, leading to his successful apprehension.
Police Warning: “Surrender or Face Strict Action”
The arrest comes as part of a wider push by the district authorities to clear pending cases and bring absconders to justice.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, issued a stern warning following the operation:
“Absconders should surrender at the nearest police station immediately. Strict legal action under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will be taken against anyone who continues to evade the law.”
Key Highlights of the Operation
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Inter-State Coordination: The Kishtwar police team tracked and arrested the accused from a hideout in Himachal Pradesh.
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Long-Standing Fugitive: The accused had managed to stay off the radar for nearly five years before the recent crackdown.
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Legal Shift: The SSP highlighted the use of the new BNSS provisions to handle fugitives and ensure swift judicial proceedings.
The accused has been shifted to Kishtwar for further legal formalities and production before the court. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice in sensitive cases involving crimes against women and children.
