8 cops suspended after video of attack on preachers in Kathua goes viral

Kathua, Oct 24  :A sub-inspector and seven special police officers (SPOs) were suspended after a video showing an attack on a vehicle carrying religious preachers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district went viral on social media, officials said on Friday.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Corner—(KNC) that the incident took place in the Juthana area under the jurisdiction of Rajbagh Police Station, where a group of youths allegedly attacked preachers travelling in a vehicle with sticks. The viral video purportedly shows police personnel present at the spot but failing to immediately intervene.

The main accused, identified as Ravindra Singh Thela, has a criminal background and multiple cases registered against him, officials added.

Following the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma, ordered the suspension of the sub-inspector and seven SPOs for negligence in duty.

Police have registered an FIR in the case. One accused has been arrested, while efforts are on to nab the remaining culprits, officials said.—(KNC)