Kashmiri athlete held in US for molesting minor

A Kashmiri athlete, who was given a US visa following huge public outcry, has been arrested over charges of molestation during an event in New York, the US media reported on Thursday.

Tanveer Hussain (24) was arrested in Saranac Lake village in New York state on Wednesday over charges of kissing and inappropriately touching a 12-year-old girl, and endangering the welfare of a child, Adirondak Daily Enterprise, a daily, reported.

Hussain, who is in Saranac Lake for an international snowshoe racers’ competition, has been accused of “inappropriate sexual



behaviour with an underage girl, which allegedly took place on Monday in the village of Saranac Lake”, it said.Mir Mudasir, president, Snowshoe Federation of India, confirmed the arrest.“I am disturbed by the turn of events. But I have full faith in the US law, and let the law take its own course,” Mudasir said.

J&K State Sports Council secretary Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra said they are ascertaining the facts. “Initial reports suggest that Hussain has been detained. We will provide him legal help only after confirming the details,’’ Para told.