Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district have arrested a nurse as the sixth accused in the investigation into the death of a minor girl from the Chatroo area. The arrest comes as authorities continue to probe allegations of sexual exploitation, pregnancy-related complications, and attempts to terminate the pregnancy before the girl’s death.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, District Police Kishtwar arrested Sonika, a nurse posted at District Hospital Kishtwar, in connection with FIR No. 34/2026 registered at Police Station Chatroo under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The case relates to the suspicious death of a minor girl, aged about 15 to 16 years, from the Chatroo region of Kishtwar district. The incident has drawn widespread public attention across the Chenab region and prompted demands for a comprehensive investigation. Reports indicate that protests and shutdowns were observed in parts of the Chenab Valley following the girl’s death.
Police had earlier constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case. During the investigation, authorities said material emerged indicating alleged sexual exploitation of the minor, her pregnancy, efforts to terminate the pregnancy, and the possible involvement of multiple individuals, including persons associated with her medical treatment.
Before the latest arrest, five accused persons had already been taken into custody in the case. The role of the nurse allegedly surfaced during the course of the investigation, leading to her arrest as the sixth accused, police said. Earlier this week, Kishtwar Police had announced the arrest of three additional suspects, taking the number of arrests to five before the latest development.
Officials said the SIT is continuing a scientific, impartial and evidence-based investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the minor’s death and to determine the role of every person connected to the case. Police stated that further arrests would be made wherever evidence supports such action and that all individuals found involved would face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
