Pulwama teen battling for life after assault by 45-year-old man during cricket match

PULWAMA — An 18-year-old youth from Ratnipora village of Pulwama is battling for his life at SKIMS Soura after he was assaulted by a 45-year-old man with a wooden rod in Lajoora village during a cricket match.

Witnesses said that Faizaan Qayoom Bhat of Ratnipora was allegedly smashed by a wooden rod by Younis Sheikh of Puchal village after a scuffle during a cricket match.

They said that teams from Puchal and Ratnipora were playing a cricket match at Lajoora cricket ground, and when the match reached into the final overs, there was some argument between the players over some player’s residence.

They said that while the argument was going on, Younis Sheikh smashed Faizan with the rod, leaving him grievously injured. They said that Younis’ sons were playing for Puchal team due which he assaulted Faizan.

Fiazan was rushed to the District Hospital Pulwama, where doctors referred him to SKIMS Soura for tertiary treatment.

Doctors in SKIMS said that Faizan has been assaulted due to which he had suffered trauma on his head. His uncle said Faizan’s teammates have informed the police in Pulwama. He said that the family is worried about the condition of their son and wants strict action against the culprit.

Police officials in Pulwama said that they have taken cognizance of the incident and are investigating it.

Meanwhile, Faizan’s teammates and family are demanding legal action against Sheikh Younis. “This heinous act must be met with the full force of the law. Younis Sheikh should be arrested and held accountable for his actions without any delay,” Mir Ubaid, Faizan’s teammate, said.