Kishtwar observes shutdown over rape, death of 14-year-old girl; 5 arrested

Kishtwar: A complete shutdown is being observed across Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous Kishtwar district on Thursday in protest against the alleged rape and subsequent death of a 14-year-old girl from the remote Chatroo area.

The minor’s death has triggered widespread outrage, with political leaders, religious figures and civil society groups calling for stringent punishment for those found responsible. Police have so far arrested five people, including a school teacher, in connection with the case.

The victim was a resident of Chatroo.

According to officials, the girl was allegedly impregnated by a teacher at the school. Her family took her to District Hospital Kishtwar on August 20 for termination of the pregnancy. She was subsequently referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for specialised medical care but died while being transported in an ambulance.

Following her death, police initiated inquest proceedings to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh said that during the initial inquiry, evidence emerged indicating the commission of cognizable offences.

The proceedings were subsequently converted into FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also incorporated into the case during the investigation.

In view of the seriousness of the allegations, the SSP constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by the Additional SP Kishtwar, to carry out a comprehensive, scientific and time-bound probe.

The investigation subsequently brought allegations against Khalid Hussain, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh and a resident of Gorinal in Chatroo tehsil.

Hussain was posted as a teacher at Government Middle School, Gorinal, where the minor was studying.

According to the police, the investigation has indicated allegations of repeated sexual assault on the girl, allegedly resulting in her pregnancy.

Investigators also suspect that Khalid, allegedly acting in conspiracy with his brother Tariq Hussain, arranged and administered medicines purportedly intended to terminate the pregnancy.

The police said the girl was initially taken to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Chatroo and was later shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar by Tariq and others.

Investigators are also examining the alleged role of Farooq Ahmed, a daily-wage/sweeper employee at District Hospital Kishtwar, in connection with her treatment.

At the district hospital, the minor received medical treatment and underwent an ultrasound examination before being referred onward for specialised care.

Police later arrested Farooq Ahmed of Kishtwar, along with Mohammad Ishaq and Riyaz Ahmed, both residents of Sheikh Pura, Gorinal. With these arrests, the number of accused persons taken into custody in the case has risen to five.

The police said further arrests will be made wherever warranted by evidence and that the SIT is examining every aspect of the case.

SSP Singh said the investigation was being conducted in a fair, impartial and evidence-based manner, adding that any person found to have been involved would face legal action in accordance with law.

The accused teacher has also been suspended by the authorities following the allegations.

Meanwhile, Kishtwar has witnessed a broad-based shutdown, with shops and business establishments remaining closed in Chatroo, the victim’s native area, as well as in other parts of the district.

Farooq Ahmed Kichloo, Imam of Jamia Masjid Kishtwar, has called for a complete bandh in protest against the incident.

He urged the administration and investigating agencies to conduct a transparent, impartial and time-bound probe and ensure that every person found responsible is brought to justice.