Dismissal ruling for Indian major
An Indian court martial has recommended dismissal of an officer who it cleared of rape in a case that provoked huge protests across the Kashmir valley.
It found Major Rehman Hussain guilty of molesting a minor, using criminal force on her brother and using improper search procedures.
DNA tests released earlier this month failed to prove claims he raped the mother of the 10-year-old minor.
The incidents took place in the town of Handwara on 7 November.
Inconclusive
The punishment is yet to be confirmed by the general officer, commanding-in-chief, of the Indian army's northern command.
He has the power to increase or decrease the punishment or ask for a review of the court martial ruling.
DNA tests conducted on Major Hussain had proved inconclusive on the rape issue.
The court martial acquitted him on that charge but found him guilty of "outraging the modesty" of the minor at her home in Handwara.
It also convicted him of violating the procedures which make it mandatory to take female police personnel along for frisking women during a search operation.
Simple dismissal was recommended, taking into account the officer's service record.
Police fired tear-gas and baton-charged demonstrators protesting in Indian-administered Kashmir's summer capital, Srinagar, in December against the alleged rape.
The army first dismissed the charges outright, but later ordered a court martial.
Militant separatists have been fighting Indian rule in Kashmir, which is claimed by both Pakistan and India, since 1989. About 40,000 people have been killed in the fighting.
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If the DNA test had proved Major "Rehman" was innocent, why the need to dismiss him and charge him for "molesting a minor"?