Meer Irfan
A harrowing video emerged on social media last week, capturing Mohammad Ashraf, a 36-year-old government employee, violently attacking his elderly parents and sister in Srinagar.
The footage has ignited widespread outrage, depicting Ashraf brutally beating and kicking his old aged parents in broad daylight.
In the disturbing video, Ashraf is seen using his footwear to strike his parents and prevent them from entering their own home. His mother, Taja Begum, revealed the torment they have endured, stating, “He tortures us to pressure us into transferring the property to his wife’s name. I have told him he will inherit his share after we pass away, but he will not listen. He beats us mercilessly.”
The violent attack took place after Wani and his wife had visited a deceased relative and done some shopping before seeking refuge at their daughter’s house. Ashraf, enraged, assaulted them and chased them down on his bike, continuing the abuse in public view. Even their daughter, holding a baby, was not spared from his rage. His father, Ghulam Ahmad Wani, described the ordeal: “We have been living with our daughters for about a year now. Whenever we try to return home, he beats us.”
The situation reached a critical point when Ashraf’s sister, knocked to the ground during the assault, managed to capture the violence on her phone. This evidence provided the family with the proof they needed to take action. Wani stated, “Every time we tried to report him to the police, they demanded proof. This time, we had it.”
Despite the severe beating, including Wani being kicked to the ground and bleeding from his nose, the family felt empowered to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Ashraf. The local Station House Officer (SHO) responded promptly, arresting Ashraf and suspending him from his government job. However, Wani and Taja Begum remain fearful for their safety.
Reflecting on their plight, Wani expressed their ongoing terror, saying, “We request the police to imprison him and provide us security. If he is released, he will kill us, just as he has threatened.” He also revealed that Ashraf has threatened to harm his sons-in-law and their children.
Taja Begum added, “He has been torturing us for years to get the property transferred. Our son’s violent behavior has shattered our peace of mind and our savings.” Ghulam Ahmad Wani, a retired employee, had invested his life savings of Rs 40 lakh to marry off his children and set up a small shop, only to have his peace and security destroyed by his son.
In a poignant appeal, Wani concluded, “A son like him should be hanged publicly so that others learn from this example.” The distressing situation underscores the urgent need for justice and protection for the beleaguered family.