'Will strip you naked': FIR against AAP's Jammu & Kashmir chief for threatening female doctor

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR against Mehraj Malik, Chief of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit and sitting MLA, on serious charges including defamation, criminal intimidation, and outraging the modesty of a woman doctor in Doda district.

The FIR was filed following a complaint by an associate professor at the Government Medical College, who accused Malik of using social media to issue threats and hurl abusive, gendered, and derogatory remarks at her.

According to the complaint lodged at the Doda Police Station, Malik’s comments not only targeted her personally but also endangered the safety and functioning of the hospital.

"In a series of deeply disturbing instances, Malik has used social media platforms to publicly issue threats and make abusive, gendered, and derogatory remarks against me,” the doctor stated. She cited specific threats such as “ghaseetunga” (will drag you) and “will strip you naked,” which she described as direct attacks on her dignity, safety, and professional integrity.

“These are not mere words—they are threats designed to shame and intimidate a female public servant. They clearly amount to outraging the modesty of a woman, and that too in a public forum,” the doctor wrote in her complaint.

She also recalled a particularly painful taunt: “This hospital doesn’t belong to your father,” which she said was especially insensitive given that her father passed away over 12 years ago.

Malik, known for his controversial rhetoric, has faced legal trouble in the past. On March 17, 2025, the Special Excise Mobile Magistrate’s Court in Jammu issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him in a defamation case filed by former minister Mohammad Saroori.

Just weeks later, on April 9, Malik was physically assaulted by BJP legislators after he allegedly made a communal remark suggesting that “Hindus get drunk during festivals” — a comment that went viral on social media.

The police have confirmed that the case is being investigated under relevant sections related to criminal intimidation, defamation, and insulting the modesty of a woman. No official response has been issued by Malik or the Aam Aadmi Party so far.