Shabir Khan
Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh has been sentenced to 14 years in prison and a fine of ₹45,000 after being convicted for sexually abusing multiple minors under the guise of spiritual healing.
The sentence, handed down by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Baramulla, Mir Wajahat, was issued on February 18, 2025, after a lengthy trial.
Advocate Ayesha Zaheer, speaking to The Kashmiriyat, confirmed the sentence, stating, “The court has imposed a fine of ₹45,000 and a 14-year prison term on the accused for his heinous crimes.”
The case, filed under FIR No. 22/2016 on March 2, 2016, was brought to court by the father of one of the victims. The prosecution, led by Advocate Mirza Zahid Khalil, argued that the accused exploited his religious influence to abuse vulnerable children, causing severe emotional and psychological harm.
Advocate Nyla Noor, a member of the prosecution team, commented, “The court’s decision sends a strong message about holding perpetrators accountable for such despicable acts, especially when they exploit their position of trust.”
Despite attempts by the defense, represented by Advocates M.M. Mir and B.A. Malla, to claim that the case was fabricated, the court rejected these arguments. The court emphasized that the delay in reporting the crimes was understandable, given the victims’ fear of supernatural harm and the psychological trauma they endured.
“The victims’ testimonies remained consistent throughout the trial, even under rigorous cross-examination, and their courage in recounting their painful experiences was commendable,” the court remarked.
The court further instructed the Superintendent of Police, Sopore, to investigate additional victims whose cases were not covered within the immediate scope of the trial, ensuring justice for all affected.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that the sentence should reflect the severity of the crime, making it clear that such crimes should not go unpunished.