Srinagar, Oct 20 (KNS): With no let up in mysterious braid choppings across Kashmir, an angry mob on Friday severely thrashed a man on the suspicion that he was a braid chopper.
The mob also tried to burn him alive. A mobile phone video that was circulated on social media shows a group of men ruthlessly beating him, stripping him and attempting to set him on fire.
The victim was later identified as Wasim Ahmad Tantray, who according to Police is a mentally “challenged person”.
“We received information this morning that an alleged braid chopper had been attacked by locals in the Fruit Mandi area of Sopore. The police rushed him to a hospital, but his condition is said to be critical,” a police official told KNS.
SSP Sopore Harmeet Singh told media persons that an FIR has been registered and culprits have been identified. “Action will be initiated against the culprits," he said.
IGP Kashmir Muneer Khan said the man who was thrashed was mentally ill. “Had police not reached on time, they would have lynched him to death. Is this justifiable,” he said.
As soon the video of the mentally challenged man being beaten up by the mob went viral, Kashmiri nitizens on social media expressed anger and resentment over the action.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“Those who harm or beat anybody are worst criminals than the braid choppers and declared enemies of our society…stop it…,” posted Nayeema Mehjoor, chairperson State Women Commission, on Facebook.
Essar Batool, another Facebook user said, “...Mobs don't have a mind but individuals do. While I understand everyone needs to remain vigilant but could we also ensure that no untoward incident happens and that we don't resort to violence.”
Rafeem Ul Salam in his post said: “Haywaniyat on its peak.....! RIP humanity,”
Another Facebook user, Sheikh Mehraj, “Humanity bleeds in Kashmir nowadays…For God sake stop this now.”
Pertinently, over 130 incidents of braid chopping have been reported in the Valley in the past one month. Special teams have been set up to contain the incidence, which has spread panic among the citizens, but the police have failed to make any arrests. (KNS)