Three More Arrested in Kishtwar Minor Rape-Death Case, Total Arrests Reach Five
By: Arafat Baig
KISHTWAR: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged rape, forced pregnancy termination and death of a minor tribal girl in Chatroo has arrested three more people. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
With the latest arrests, the total number of people arrested in the case has risen to five, police said.
The case involves a minor girl from the Gujjar community who allegedly died following complications during an attempt to terminate her pregnancy.
Three More People Arrested
The three newly arrested people have been identified as Farooq Ahmed, Mohd Ishaq and Riyaz Ahmed.
Farooq Ahmed, son of Sana Ullah, is a resident of Sangrambatta, Kishtwar, and works as a daily-wage sweeper at District Hospital Kishtwar.
Mohd Ishaq, son of Mohd Khizar, and Riyaz Ahmed, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, are residents of Sheikh Pura in the Gorinal area of Chatroo.
According to police, the three are suspected of helping the main accused and his associates in the alleged attempt to terminate the minor’s pregnancy and conceal the crime.
Police said Farooq Ahmed allegedly helped facilitate the minor’s medical visits and ultrasound examination at District Hospital Kishtwar. Riyaz Ahmed and Mohd Ishaq are also alleged to have helped in taking the girl to medical facilities.
The police investigation is continuing and further arrests may follow if evidence establishes the involvement of others.
What Happened in the Case?
The case concerns the death of a minor girl who was studying at a government school in the Chatroo area.
Police have alleged that her teacher, Khalid Hussain Sheikh, sexually assaulted her over a period of time and that she became pregnant.
Khalid Hussain Sheikh and his brother Tariq Hussain were arrested earlier in connection with the case.
According to the investigation, the police suspect that medicines were allegedly given to the minor in an attempt to terminate the pregnancy.
The girl was initially taken to a health centre in Chatroo and was later shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar. She was eventually referred for further treatment but died while being taken for emergency medical care.
The Education Department has suspended the teacher following his arrest.
SIT Investigating the Case
Following the girl’s death, Chatroo Police initially began inquest proceedings to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
After evidence of alleged criminal offences emerged, the proceedings were converted into an FIR.
The SIT, headed by Additional SP Kishtwar Pardeep Singh, is now investigating the case.
Police are examining CCTV footage from hospitals, digital evidence and other material collected during the investigation. DNA samples and other forensic tests are also being carried out as part of the probe.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been added during the investigation.
NCST Seeks Report From J&K Authorities
The case has also drawn the attention of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Following a complaint by the Tribal Gujjar Bakkarwal Welfare Foundation, the commission issued notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and SSP Kishtwar.
The NCST has sought details of the action taken by the authorities and asked them to submit a report within five days.
Police Promise Fair Investigation
SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh said the investigation is being carried out in a fair, impartial and evidence-based manner.
Police said every aspect of the case is being examined and that legal action will be taken against anyone found involved on the basis of evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing, while the five arrested people are being questioned as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the minor’s death.
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