A shocking incident of sexual assault has come to light in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where a 70-year-old woman from Maharashtra, visiting the region as a tourist, was raped in a hotel room. The horrifying crime, which occurred on April 11, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about tourist safety in the valley.
According to police reports, the elderly woman was staying at a hotel in Pahalgam when Zubair Ahmed, a local resident, allegedly broke into her room, covered her with a blanket, and sexually assaulted her. The police confirmed that the victim suffered serious injuries as a result of the attack.
Zubair Ahmed was immediately arrested following the incident. The case was taken up for hearing in the Anantnag District Court on June 30. During the proceedings, the accused denied all charges, claiming that he had been falsely implicated and that he had no connection with the victim. He also stated in court that the victim did not even recognize him.
Rejecting the accused's claims, the court found his arguments unconvincing and denied bail. In a strong statement, the court said that the mentality reflected in the crime was deeply disturbing, and emphasized that releasing such individuals poses a threat to society. The court’s decision has been welcomed by legal experts and citizens who are calling for swift and strict punishment in the case.
This heinous act has caused widespread condemnation across the country. Citizens and women’s rights groups have demanded increased security measures for tourists, especially the elderly, and stringent punishment for those found guilty of such crimes.
The investigation in the case is ongoing, and authorities have assured that justice will be delivered at the earliest.