Budgam, May 25: The arrest of a local in the rape and murder case of a 12-year-old girl in central Kashmir’s Galwanpora area in Budgam district has left residents shaken, with many saying the incident has destroyed the sense of trust and safety within the locality.
The accused, according to residents, was residing in the neighbourhood, a revelation that intensified anger and grief across the area after police announced his arrest and claimed he had confessed to the crime.
Several residents, who spoke to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), termed the development as deeply disturbing, saying the fact that the accused belonged to the same neighbourhood has created more fear among families, particularly parents of young children.
“We are unable to process that someone living so close could commit such a horrific act,” a resident said. “People are now asking who can really be trusted.”
Another neighbour said, “We never imagined something like this could happen from someone living among us. If neighbours cannot be trusted, then who can?”
Women in the area said the incident has left parents terrified about the safety of their daughters, even within their own surroundings.
“Children used to move freely in the locality. Now every parent is scared. The fear is not from strangers anymore,” said a mother of two.
Locals described the incident as not just a heinous crime but also a deep social wound that has shaken the sense of security in the entire area.
After the arrest was announced, emotionally charged scenes were witnessed, with large crowds gathering in the locality and raising slogans demanding strict punishment for the accused.
The atmosphere remained tense throughout, as police and district administration officials maintained heavy deployment in the area to manage the crowds and maintain law and order.
Locals demanded speedy justice in the case and called for exemplary punishment to ensure deterrence against crimes involving children. (KNO)
