Jammu: In a shocking incident from the Jourian area of Akhnoor subdivision, two sisters — including a minor — have alleged an attempted sexual assault by three local youths, one of whom was posted as a Special Police Officer (SPO) at Police Post Jourian. The case has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns over women’s safety and accountability within the police system after the victims alleged that their written complaint was torn inside the police post itself.
The matter surfaced after the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu directed Police Station Akhnoor to register an FIR following a complaint filed by 19-year-old girl and her minor sister, residents of Village Mandiwala, Tehsil Jourian.
According to the complaint, the accused — identified as Vishal Sharma, presently posted as an SPO at Police Post Jourian, Vijay Kumar, and Ankush Sharma — had allegedly been stalking and harassing the sisters for a considerable period. The complainants alleged that the accused frequently passed obscene and sexually coloured remarks, wrongfully restrained them on the way to school and outside their residence, and repeatedly intimidated them.
The complaint further states that on January 18, 2026, taking advantage of the absence of elders in the house, accused Vishal Sharma and Vijay Kumar allegedly entered the victims’ residence after scaling the boundary wall, while the third accused, Ankush Sharma, allegedly stood guard outside.
Inside the house, the accused allegedly misbehaved with the sisters, attempted to remove their clothes and tried to forcibly establish physical relations. However, the accused reportedly fled after the victims raised an alarm.
What has intensified public concern are allegations that when the victims approached Police Post Jourian to lodge a formal complaint, accused Vishal Sharma — being posted there as an SPO — allegedly tore their written complaint and threatened them with dire consequences if they pursued the matter further.
The complainants subsequently approached the court seeking intervention.
During the preliminary enquiry conducted on court directions, statements of the complainants and witnesses were recorded. After examining the material on record and hearing both sides, the court reportedly observed that cognizable offences were prima facie made out and directed the SHO Akhnoor to register an FIR and investigate the case in accordance with law.
Following the court order, FIR No. 106/2026 was registered at Police Station Akhnoor under Sections 74, 333 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Sections 7, 8, 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act.
The incident has triggered strong reactions in the area, with locals and social activists demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Many have questioned how victims could allegedly be denied justice at a police establishment itself, particularly when one of the accused was associated with the force.
The case has once again brought the issue of women’s safety and institutional accountability into sharp focus, with demands growing for strict action against those found guilty and safeguards to ensure victims can approach police without fear or intimidation.
