Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 8: Police today arrested a dismissed former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and six others for allegedly assaulting an elderly Kashmiri Pandit couple at their home in the Rajbagh area of Srinagar.
Police said that the incident began when Vivek Batra, a dismissed ex-IRS officer from Maharashtra, sought temporary accommodation at the residence of Ashok Toshkhanai, saying he would stay for two to four days. Toshkhanai said his family has lived in the neighbourhood for decades.
According to the victim, the situation escalated the following day when Batra arrived with two truckloads of luggage. “I told him there was not enough space. After that, he started misbehaving and harassing us constantly,” Toshkhanai said.
Police said Batra later returned with six associates in two vehicles and allegedly forced entry into the house. The group is accused of breaking the main gate and doors, assaulting family members, and attempting to set the house on fire.
Describing the attack, Toshkhanai said the men were armed with sharp weapons. “They broke all the locks and gates. It was like a planned attack. When I saw the weapons, I got terrified and called the police immediately,” he said.
He alleged that his wife was also assaulted during the incident. “He harassed my wife badly and tore her clothes. We were very scared,” he said.
Toshkhanai said the swift police action prevented further harm. He thanked the Kashmir Police and said his family wished to continue living peacefully in Srinagar. “We are a minority and have lived here for years with our neighbours without any problems,” he said.
Pertinently, the main accused, Vivek Batra, has previously been involved in multiple cases outside the Union Territory, including allegations of cheating, corruption, and possession of disproportionate assets. His dismissal from government service was linked to serious misconduct and corruption-related charges.
Police said they responded immediately to the distress call, arrested all seven accused, and registered a case under relevant sections of law. Further investigation is underway.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
