J-K govt seeks CBI probe into Shopian rape-cum-murder case

Srinagar, Sep 9 (PTI) The government of India's
northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday approached
Indian government for ordering a Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged double
rape-cum-murder of two women in Shopian after the Special
Investigating Team failed to make any breakthrough into the
case.

A notification issued by the state Government to the
Department of Personnel requested for a CBI probe into the
mysterious death of Neelofar (22) and Aasiya (17), whose
bodies were found on May 30 earlier this year.

The government decision comes a day after State Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah made his first public appearance in
Shopian, 70 kilometres south of here, Tuesday and assured
people of the town that the culprits would be brought to book.


The state government had informed the Jammu and Kashmir
High Court that it would be transferring the case to CBI to
which the court had replied that it did not have any objection
but would continue to monitor the progress in the case.

The move comes despite the reluctance by CBI to take
over the investigations. "CBI would need the cooperation of
witnesses, help of general public and help of the relatives of
the deceased in the case. In view of this, it will be
difficult for CBI to take over investigations. CBI has
conveyed its views to the state Government," CBI spokesman
Harsh Bahal had said earlier. PTI