In a gruesome incident, a 5th standard boy was allegedly sodomised by a 29-year-old man in Leh on October 23.

The accused Muzafar Ali R/O Chuchot Yokma was arrested on the same day evening. The accused was booked under FIR no. 143/ 19 section 5 (M)/6 of JK POCSO and 377 RPC.

Narrating the whole incident, father of the victim said, “My child was coming back from school after taking the examination. He took a lift on his way from the accused who was on a motorcycle. When the small boy asked him to stop while reaching nearby home the man pretended unheard, drove further and the incident happened”.

“My son told us the whole story after which I went to look out for the person but couldn’t able to trace him. In the evening, me and family members were going to a relative place when on our way my son recognised the bike parked at the roadside of Shey. We caught hold of him there and handed over to the police”, he added.

When asked about the case to Sargun Shukla, SSP, Leh, she said, “The case is under investigation and the accused is booked under the strongest section. I have assured the parents of the victim also and we will be doing our best to get the justice delivered.” 

All the business establishments remained closed for one day and a peaceful protest lead by Student Organization of Unified Ladakh (SOUL) and All Ladakh Student Association on October 28 at Main Bazaar.

While addressing the gathering, Rigzin Dorjey, President SOUL said, “It is heartbreaking to see that limited people and students turned out today to protest against the unfortunate incident but when there is a celebration or rally for any other issues people join in masses.”

Condemning the incident he said that cases of POCSO, rape, molestation, and many other criminal cases are increasing every year. He alleged that the culprits are sent to the prison but with daily meal and leisure life they come out on bail. 

Recalling the past incidents of molestation and rape of a minor, he expressed resentment and unfortunate towards delay in delivering justice to the victims. 

Stressing on a stringent action against the accused, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, MP Ladakh said, “Such heinous crime in the society shouldn’t be tolerated at all. Despite any socio-economic condition, faith or how well influential the culprit is, action as per law should be taken against the person who is involved in such crime".

He further assured to leave no stone unturned and to personally follow up on the case.

Ibtesum Iqbal, Vice president SOUL expressed the importance of imparting sex education to the children. She questioned the society that how a student who is supposed to be the future nation-builder are facing such a monstrous act at their young age? 

Gyal P Wangyal, CEC, Hill Council, Leh, representatives of religious youth wings, students also spoke on the occasion and demanded strict action against the culprit.