On directions of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, the CBI today began “identification parade” of those allegedly involved in the Srinagar sex abuse scandal, first reported by The Indian Express.

The identification of the suspects, being paraded before a 16-year-old victim, began after the CBI presented a list of 10 persons—from over 30 names provided by the victim—to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate.

On the CBI list were five persons who regularly visited the brothel run by Sabeena Akhtar, the alleged kingpin, and five girls who operated from the brothel.

The five men being brought for the first round of identification—it will be done in the presence of a magistrate—are a Deputy Superintendent of Police, a clerk working in the police lines, a dental surgeon, a shopkeeper and a hotel manager.

Each suspect will be “mixed” in a group of 10 and paraded before the victim today and tomorrow. This follows the successful identification in jail yesterday of two other men held by the J&K Police for their role in the scandal.

If the victim identifies the suspects, they may be immediately arrested and slapped with charges of rape. Sources pointed out that even consensual sexual intercourse with a minor is considered an act of rape.

The CBI has to submit a report to HC on Wednesday on the results of the identification parade.