Elderly Kashmiri Pandit couple assaulted in Rajbagh, accused arrested: Police

Srinagar, Jan 08: Srinagar Police have arrested an accused on Friday involved in an assault incident on a Kashmiri Pandit couple--Ashok Toshkhanai and his wife Kusum-- in the Rajbagh area of the capital city, police officials said.

In a press statement, a police spokesperson said, "Police have taken cognizance of an assault incident involving an elderly Kashmiri Pandit couple in the Rajbagh area of Srinagar."

The statement reads that, the accused, who has been identified as Vivek Batra (Ex-IRS Officer, Dismissed), along with six associates, allegedly entered the residential premises of Ashok Toshkhanai and his wife Kusum and assaulted the family members. The accused reportedly arrived in two vehicles and also attempted to set the house on fire.

Police said during the incident, several women sustained injuries and were shifted to a hospital, where their condition is stated to be stable.

Police acted promptly, arrested the accused persons, and initiated legal proceedings under relevant sections of law. Further investigation is underway, and strict legal action shall follow.

Pertinently, police stated that the main accused, Vivek Batra, is a dismissed former IRS officer and has earlier been involved in multiple controversies, including cases related to cheating, corruption, and possession of disproportionate assets, registered at various places outside the Union Territory.

His dismissal from service was also linked to serious misconduct and corruption-related charges, police added.