Ganderbal, Oct 12: Ganderbal Police have booked twenty members of a self-styled gang, locally known as “16/96,” for allegedly harassing young couples and tourists visiting Abdullah Park, Dumping Park, and other popular recreational sites in the district, officials said on Sunday.
According to press statement, a police spokesperson said that the group used to frequent these public places, click photographs and videos of visiting couples and tourists without consent, and subsequently resort to intimidation, blackmail, and harassment of innocent persons on various pretexts for personal gains.
Enquire revealed, police said, that the group-maintained WhatsApp and other social media groups to coordinate such unlawful activities.
Taking strong cognizance of the matter, police teams swiftly identified and apprehended all 20 individuals involved. Their parents and guardians were also summoned to the Police Station Ganderbal counseling sessions aimed at preventing such behavior in the future, police added.
However, considering the repeated involvement of some among them in similar acts, the spokesperson said, a few habitual offenders have been booked under relevant sections of law and sent to Dignibal Jail as per legal proceedings.
Police encouraged the public to report any incident of harassment or suspicious activity immediately for prompt police action.
