The investigation into the alleged rape and subsequent death of a minor girl in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir has been transferred to the Crime Branch, marking a significant development in a case that has triggered widespread public concern and demands for an independent probe.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, issued an order on August 29 transferring the investigation of FIR No. 34/2026 registered at Police Station Chatroo under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The order directs the concerned authorities to hand over the case records and related documents to the Crime Branch.
The case relates to the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl from the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district. Investigators allege that the girl was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over several months, resulting in pregnancy. She died on August 20 during an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy.
The investigation was initially being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by Kishtwar Police. So far, six persons have been arrested in connection with the case, including a school teacher identified by police as the principal accused and a nurse whose alleged role emerged during the course of the investigation.
Officials said a Crime Branch team led by senior officers has been constituted to take over the investigation. The agency is expected to examine all evidence collected by the SIT, review medical and documentary records, record additional statements where necessary and investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual assault, pregnancy, medical treatment and the minor’s death.
Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, Sarah Rizvi confirmed that the agency had received communication regarding the transfer of the case and was in the process of formally taking over the investigation.
The transfer comes amid growing calls from political leaders, civil society groups and members of the public for an impartial and time-bound investigation. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti had urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to hand over the case to the Crime Branch to ensure a fair probe.
Meanwhile, a petition filed on behalf of the victim’s father seeking an independent Crime Branch investigation is scheduled to be heard by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The petition seeks scrutiny of the circumstances leading to the minor’s death, including allegations of pressure on the family, the handling of the pregnancy, medical treatment and the role of individuals who may have been involved or had knowledge of the events.
The Crime Branch investigation is now expected to determine the sequence of events and fix responsibility based on the evidence collected during the probe.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
