Sopar, Feb 17 – A Sopore court on Monday convicted self-proclaimed faith healer Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, also known as Aijaz Molviof Mundji village, in a sexual assault case, bringing an end to a nine-year legal battle.
The case registered in 2016 when a man filed a complaint with the then Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore, stating that Sheikh had sexually assaulted his son. Based on the complaint, an FIR (No. 22/2016) was registered at Bomai Police Station under Section 377 of the erstwhile Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
While charges were framed in October 2017, the trial saw multiple delays. It was only on January 3, 2025, that the defence presented its arguments for the first time. The case was then reserved for judgment, which was delivered today.
Survivors quoted by FPK gave harrowing testimonies during the proceedings. One person described being raped over 500 times in three years, resulting in severe health complications
Others revealed they were forced into sexual acts while Sheikh watched. Some victims, as young as 10, were subjected to violent abuse.
“At times, this legal battle felt more traumatising than the abuse itself. The repeated delays were frustrating, but today’s conviction proves that perseverance matters. Silence only enables abusers, and justice, no matter how delayed, is worth fighting for,” said a survivor.
The prosecution presented extensive evidence, while the defence produced six witnesses in an attempt to refute the charges. However, the court found Sheikh guilty, with sentencing arguments set to follow.
Prosecuting officer Mirza Zahid Khalil stated that the verdict is a crucial step toward justice, encouraging other victims to come forward. Authorities have urged the public to report such crimes promptly to ensure timely legal action.
The court has also directed the Superintendent of Police, Sopore, to facilitate the registration of separate FIRs for other victims and ensure each case is investigated individually. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has been instructed to provide immediate legal aid to victims, with a compliance report due within 90 days.
KNO Inputs