Jammu, August 27: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested four suspects, including the main accused, in the case of the rape and murder of a 15-year-old tribal girl in Kishtwar district. This brings the total number of arrests to five.
According to Kishtwar SSP Naresh Singh, among those recently apprehended is a government school teacher, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse. His brother and a daily wage worker from Kishtwar District Hospital are also implicated in the incident.
The girl reportedly died on August 20 after an attempted abortion in the Chhatru area of the district. SSP Singh identified two of the accused as Mohammad Ishaq and Riyaz Ahmed Sheikh, while the identity of the daily wage worker remains unknown.
Police allege that the teacher repeatedly raped the minor over several months, resulting in her pregnancy. The Chhatru police received information about the girl’s suspicious death on August 20. Initially, no formal complaint was filed, prompting the police to investigate the cause of death.
SSP Singh stated, “During the investigation, evidence emerged indicating serious crimes had occurred.” Consequently, the case was registered as an FIR at the Chhatru police station.
This FIR includes charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rape and death due to miscarriage, as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also added during the investigation.
In light of the case’s severity and sensitivity, the police formed an SIT led by Additional SP Pradeep Singh. The team includes Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nitish Sharma, Chhatru SHO Inspector Rishi Kumar, and other officials. They have been instructed to conduct a thorough, scientific, and timely investigation into all aspects of the case.
Evidence against the teacher has surfaced, including allegations that he conspired with his brother to provide medication for the abortion. The girl was initially taken to the Public Health Center in Chhatru for treatment and later transferred to Kishtwar District Hospital by the accused and others. The police claim that a cleaning staff member at the hospital was also involved in the conspiracy. The minor received treatment and underwent an ultrasound at the hospital.
SSP Singh noted that Ishaq, Sheikh, and the cleaning staff were arrested based on this evidence. He mentioned that further arrests may follow as more evidence is uncovered.
“The investigation is being conducted fairly, without bias, professionally, scientifically, and based on evidence,” he added. Every aspect of the case is being scrutinized, and legal action will be taken against anyone found involved.
Meanwhile, the local imam of Kishtwar’s Jama Masjid has called for a complete shutdown in the district on Thursday. They demand a thorough investigation and action against those responsible. This call for a shutdown has garnered support from various organizations, including lawyers and Hindu religious groups.
The National Scheduled Tribes Commission has also issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, the Director General of Police, and the SSP of Kishtwar, seeking a response within five days. The commission has indicated that failure to respond may result in officials being summoned personally. They have decided to investigate the alleged rape and death of the minor girl.
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