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CBI to probe Kashmir sex scandal

      New Delhi: A 12-member Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Pankaj Kumar Singh dispatched to Kashmir on Thursday to probe a sex scandal allegedly involving minor girls. "The CBI team will carry out investigation with promptitude and utmost transparency however high and mighty the culprits may be. The team also has women members in it," G Mohanty, CBI spokesman said. The state government has handed over investigation of the scandal to CBI. The restive Himalayan region has been witnessing protests since last week after newspapers and television channels reported details of a racket, which they allege, provided prostitutes for local politicians, police officers and bureaucrats. An angry mob had ransacked the house of a woman suspected of running the prostitution ring, before razing it to the ground and setting fire to her belongings. Police detained the woman and three others for questioning after pornographic videos and video clips on mobile phones showing nude Kashmiri girls were circulated in Srinagar. Prostitution is illegal in India. Police have arrested several people over the past years on charges of being involved in the crime in Kashmir.

Srinagar HC admits PIL on sex scandal

       Srinagar: The Srinagar High Court today admitted a petition seeking a thorough probe into the sex scandal involving politicians, police officers and bureaucrats. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association and posted it for hearing by a division bench. "Since it is a case of public interest, therefore it should be referred to division bench. We indicated the learned judge, Intiaz Hussain, civil judge of High Court, keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter. This should be placed before the Honourable Chief Judge for constituting a special division bench for hearing this matter," said, Mian Qayoomm, office bearer of Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association. "After hearing Advocate General and considering our submission, the learnt judge has been of the opinion that, yes it is a matter of Public Interest Litigation, since it involves interests of the people. It should be heard by division bench," Qayoomm added.

    The Kashmir Valley has been witnessing protests for the past one week after newspapers and television channels reported details of a racket, which they allege, provided prostitutes for local politicians, police officers and bureaucrats. The State Government has handed over investigation of the scandal to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has started investigations into the matter. The city has been going through a series of protests by rebel groups, lawyers, and women's organisations seeking a thorough probe to identify and punish persons involved in the sex scandal. "We appeal the government that those involved in such a heinous act should be behind the bars. Now, the probe is in the court. If it is not done effectively then Kashmir Traders Federation will take the matter in its hand," said, Sadiq Balaya, member of Traders Federation. Police detained the woman and three others for questioning after pornographic videos and video clips on mobile phones showing nude Kashmiri girls were circulated in Srinagar. An angry mob had ransacked the house Sabina, the woman suspected of running the prostitution ring, before razing it to the ground and setting fire to her belongings.