The Imam of the Jama Masjid at Darhal, Mohammad Sayeed, had charged jawans with raping his niece -- a tenth class student.

However, after medical examination, it was concluded that the allegation was false. Thereafter, even the complainant agreed his niece had not complained of rape.

Next day, passions ran high as Minister of State for Home Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, along with a NC Legislator, Sadiq Malik, visited Darhal. Malik addressed public meetings, accusing the security forces and the police of having managed to have the medical report tampered in their favour. Senior officials tried to persuade the duo of the genuineness of the report, but Lone ordered the re-examination of the victim by another team of doctors at the Government Medical College (GMC)Hospital in Jammu. The administration protested over the Minister's mistrust, but sent the girl to Jammu for re-examination.

The tables turned on the NC leaders after a re-examination of the girl confirmed that she was a virgin. The police have decided to register a case against the complainant and all those who spearheaded false propaganda against security forces.

Sources said such vilification campaigns were being launched at the instance of militants to demoralise the security forces.

However, things did not end here. Sources said the Minister along with Malik, after returning to Srinagar, complained to Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah that the girl had been gang-raped by security forces. Going by the report of his Minister and party Legislator, the Chief Minister immediately contacted the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, to apprise him of the matter.