by Farooz Ahmad Lone
SRINAGAR: A shocking video has surfaced on social media, showing a man violently attacking his elderly parents and sister in Srinagar. The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage, captures Mohammad Ashraf, reportedly a 36-year-old government employee, mercilessly beating and kicking his family members in broad daylight.
Ashraf is seen using footwear to strike them and prevent them from entering their own home.
According to his mother, Taja Begum, Ashraf has subjected his parents to years of mental and physical torture to coerce them into transferring their property into his wife’s name. His father, Ghulam Ahmad Wani, said his son’s behaviour has left them heartbroken and frail. “We raised and supported him for 32 years, including arranging his marriage,” Wani said. “But he has been torturing us ever since his marriage.” The footage captures Ashraf knocking his father to the ground, kicking his mother, and threatening to kill the entire family if they do not comply with his demands.
Ashraf’s father described how the family has lived in constant fear for the past four years, seeking refuge in their daughters’ homes to escape the violence. “We have been living with our daughters for about a year now,” said Taja Begum. “Whenever we try to return home, he beats us.”
On the day of the incident, Wani and his wife had visited a deceased relative and done some shopping before seeking shelter at their daughter’s house. However, Ashraf burst in and launched an assault. When they attempted to flee, he chased them down on his bike, continuing the abuse in full public view. Even their daughter, who was holding a baby at the time, was not spared from his rage.
As Ashraf’s sister was knocked to the ground, she managed to capture the violent attack on her phone, providing the evidence the family had long needed to act. “Every time we tried to report him to the police, they demanded proof. This time, we had it,” said Ghulam Ahmad Wani.
The footage was taken after Ashraf had already severely beaten his family members, including Wani, who was kicked to the ground and bled from his nose. Despite this, the family finally felt empowered to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Ashraf.
The local Station House Officer (SHO) swiftly responded, arresting Ashraf and suspending him from his government job. However, Wani and his wife, Taja Begum, remain fearful for their safety.
In a video statement, Taja Begum explained the motivation behind Ashraf’s actions: “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.”
Ghulam Ahmad Wani, a retired employee, had carefully planned for his golden years. He used his life savings of Rs 40 lakh to marry off two of his children and set up a small retail shop to support himself. However, his son Mohammad Ashraf’s violent behaviour has shattered both his savings and his peace of mind.
The situation worsened after Ashraf’s arrest, as his wife, who was subsequently expelled from the house, allegedly caused significant damage to their home and belongings. Wani and his wife, Taja Begum, now fear for their lives and plead for justice.
“We request the police to imprison him and provide us security,” said Wani. “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.
In a heart-wrenching appeal, Wani said, “A son like him should be hanged publicly so that others learn from this example.”
