Kashmir Pe News Desk
Srinagar, January 8 : A Kashmiri Pandit resident of Rajbagh, Ashok Toshkhani, has alleged that he and his family were assaulted and harassed by a group of men led by a non-local individual who allegedly attempted to forcibly occupy space in the residential locality.
According to Toshkhani, the main accused has been identified as Vivek Batra, a resident of Maharashtra. Toshkhani claimed that Batra had initially approached his family seeking accommodation for “two days,” but the situation soon escalated into a dispute.
“The very next day, he brought two truckloads of material, saying he would keep it here. I told him this is a residential area and there is no such space,” Toshkhani said.
He alleged that Batra later returned with two cars full of men, broke both the gates of the residence, and attempted to force entry. “They tore down the locks, vandalized the property, and brandished sharp weapons as if they were going to attack us. My wife was manhandled, and her clothes were torn,” he told reporters.
Toshkhani said he feared for his family’s life and immediately contacted the police. “Kashmir Police arrived in time and rescued us. They arrested the attackers, and I am deeply thankful to the police for their timely intervention,” he added.
The Kashmiri Pandit family, living in Srinagar for years, said they have never faced such hostility. “We are migrants and only want to live peacefully. For decades we lived happily here with our brothers and friends. We have also appealed to the Governor for protection,” Toshkhani said.
Police sources confirmed that arrests were made in connection with the incident and that further investigation is in progress to ascertain the circumstances and charges involved | Kashmir Pen
