FIR filed against Mehbooba, daughter for 'assault' on cop during Article 370 protest
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti have been booked for allegedly assaulting a police officer during PDP's protest against abrogation of Article 370 two days ago, officials said here on Thursday.
A case under sections 132, 121 and 191(2) BNS has been registered against Mehbooba and Iltija for the alleged assault during the protest for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on Tuesday, officials said.
Besides the mother-daughter duo, four more PDP leaders have been asked to appear before the police to join the investigation, officials said.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that police came to the Mufti residence in Khimber and questioned Iltija.
"Questioning an injured person while she is under treatment raises serious concerns and is deeply insensitive. Authorities must respect her medical condition and ensure that due process is followed with dignity and humanity," the party said on X .
The police have claimed that Iltija physically assaulted a police officer while he was discharging his duties.
"She is further alleged to have grabbed the officer and bitten his forearm, causing a bleeding bite injury," they said.
The police said the scuffle took place when Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti led a sit-in outside the party office demanding restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir on the night of August 4, the eve of seventh anniversary of reading down of Article 370.
"During the course of the protest, a section of the demonstrators allegedly attempted to violate the imposed restrictions by blocking Residency Road and proceeding towards Lal Chowk," the police said.
The protesters continued to proceed despite appeals for peace by the police, they claimed.
Iltija was hospitalised at a private hospital here after, as she claimed, manhandling by the police.
The PDP leader, who showed her injuries on arms to the media, was discharged late Wednesday after treatment.
"As part of the ongoing investigation, Iltija Mufti has been summoned to appear before Police Station Kothibagh tomorrow to join the investigation in accordance with law," the police said.
