Police in Jammu and Kashmir arrested two men on Monday, 28 July 2025 for the alleged rape of a woman in Baramulla district, following a complaint that named the accused only by their first names. The arrest came after investigators combined technical evidence and human intelligence to identify and apprehend the suspects.

What the Complaint States

According to the survivor's complaint, she and a male companion had travelled to Jalsheeri Drangbal in Baramulla on 25 July when the two accused allegedly accosted them. A police official said the accused allegedly sexually assaulted the woman and recorded a video of the assault. The survivor reportedly knew the accused only by their first names at the time of the incident.

How Police Identified the Suspects

Despite the limited identification information available, police used technical surveillance tools and ground-level intelligence to trace the accused. They were identified as Shakir Ahmed Lone and Mohammed Ashraf, both residents of Jalsheeri and working as drivers. Both were taken into custody on Monday.

Broader Context: Crimes Against Women in J&K

The arrest comes against a backdrop of a reported downward trend in recorded crimes against women in Jammu and Kashmir. According to official data submitted to Parliament, total registered cases fell to 3,366 in 2024, down from a peak of 3,937 cases in 2021 — marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.

Domestic violence continues to account for a significant share of reported grievances, with higher absolute counts traditionally recorded in urban districts such as Jammu and Srinagar. Abduction and kidnapping remain a major category under registered crimes against women, often linked to forced or disputed marriages. Notably, cyber crimes against women — including digital harassment, profile morphing, and online stalking — have emerged as a growing area of concern, particularly among young women and professionals.

Support Systems in Place

Jammu and Kashmir operates exclusive women's police stations, staffed entirely by female officers, across major districts including Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, Rajouri, and Udhampur. These stations handle domestic and social violence cases. Specialised support cells, backed by partnerships with the National Commission for Women, provide psycho-social and legal aid to survivors directly through the police framework.

Investigations into the Baramulla case are ongoing, and authorities have not yet indicated whether charges beyond those already filed are being considered.