Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Police in Ganderbal today booked 20 members of a self-styled gang, locally known as “16/96,” for allegedly harassing young couples and tourists at public parks in the district.
Click here to watch video
Authorities said the accused were identified and booked for their involvement in incidents of harassment at Abdullah Park, Dumping Park, and adjoining areas along the river-popular recreational spots in Ganderbal.
“The group, locally known as the ‘Self Made Gang (16/96),’ used to frequent these public places, click photographs and videos of visiting couples and tourists without consent and subsequently resort to intimidation, blackmail, and harassment of innocent persons on various pretexts for personal gains,” police said.
During the enquiry, police said, it came to the fore that the group maintained WhatsApp and other social media groups to coordinate such unlawful activities.
Taking strong cognizance of the matter, police teams swiftly identified and apprehended all 20 individuals involved.
“Their parents and guardians were also summoned to the Police Station Ganderbal for counseling sessions aimed at preventing such behavior in the future,” police said.
However, police added that some of the accused were repeat offenders.
“Considering the repeated involvement of some among them in similar acts, a few habitual offenders have been booked under relevant sections of law and sent to Dignibal Jail as per legal proceedings,” police said.
“To ensure the safety and dignity of the public and tourists, Ganderbal Police has also issued a dedicated Helpline No.s (Women’s helpline No. 9541786742, PCR Ganderbal 9906668731, 01942416564,) for reporting any such incidents or harassment-related complaints,” police stated.
Police have urged the public to report any incident of harassment or suspicious activity for prompt action.
The post 20 members of a gang booked for harassing couples, tourists appeared first on Daily Excelsior.