Shocked over the brutal rape and murder in Indian-ruled Jammu and Kashmir, of Asifa Bano, an 8-year-old Muslim girl, the United Nations has called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The rape and killing of the girl has outraged people in South Asia, drawing the attention of the world media and human rights advocates.
At a briefing in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman said the world body was aware of this “horrific case” of the abuse and the murder of a young girl.
“We very much hope that the authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice so they can be held accountable for the murder of this young girl,” Spokesman Stephane Dujarric added.
Media accounts say eight Hindu men, including two police officers, have been arrested in the case.
Asifa Bano, daughter of nomads, was kidnapped and allegedly taken to a temple in Kathua, drugged, gangraped over two days, strangled and her body was dumped in a forest.
The attack took place in January, but the details were only released by police this week, sending shockwaves among Muslim communities and human rights activists in India and other countries.
The supporters of the accused including lawyers tried to shield them and then communalized the issue with some in the Hindu community, especially the followers of ruling BJP, staged demonstrations to divert attention.
Lawyers who tried to block the court to prevent the case being filed have also faced condemnations.
