Aijaz Sheikh, a former Imam, school teacher, and faith healer, has been convicted under Section 377 of the Ranbir Penal Code for sexually abusing thousands of young boys in north Kashmir. The conviction comes after a nearly decade-long legal battle marked by delays and disruptions. Sheikh exploited his positions of trust to target vulnerable children, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives. Survivors described horrific abuse, including rape, forced sexual acts, and violent assaults.The Chief Judicial Magistrate delivered the verdict, noting that survivors have the liberty to file separate FIRs against Sheikh. Section 377 prescribes life imprisonment or a term up to 10 years for acts of “unnatural sex,” along with a fine. The case began in 2016, but the trial saw frequent disruptions, with multiple judges and public prosecutors being replaced. The defence presented its arguments on January 3, 2025, leading to the final judgment on February 17, 2025. This landmark conviction is seen as a long-overdue step towards justice, bringing hope that such crimes will not go unpunished in the future. (The Kashmiriyat News Reported)
Former Imam from North Kashmir Convicted Under Section 377 For Se°xu@lly Abusing Young Boys
