Kathua rape case: Lawyers protest against filing of charge-sheets, call bandh

Jammu Bar Association President, BS Salathia, has been quoted by NDTV, "We have called for a strike and have got support from many organisations. The crime branch team has officers from Kashmir who don't have a good track record. Therefore, we want a CBI inquiry."

The lawyers, who have been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the case, had earlier stopped the police from filing charge-sheets against the accused.

After six hours of ruckus, the police could register cases against the accused.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, said the police have handled the situation competently.

The minor was held captive by the accused at a temple and later she was raped, mutilated and murdered in Rassana village of Kathua months ago, crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police stated.

Though former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appreciated the actions taken by the police, he did not spare Mufti's smaller ally partner in the government, the Bharatiya Janata Party, from attacking.

He tweeted, "While appreciating action by @JmuKmrPolice against the Kathua mob masquerading as lawyers let’s not forget the mob were emboldened by the actions/words of two BJP ministers in @MehboobaMufti’s cabinet. What about action against them?"