Kishtwar, August 27: District Police Kishtwar has intensified its investigation into the suspicious death of a 15–16-year-old minor girl from the Chatroo area, with three more accused persons arrested on Thursday, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five.
According to SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh-JKPS, Police Station Chatroo received information on August 20, 2026, regarding the suspicious death of the minor. As no formal complaint had initially been received, police initiated inquest proceedings to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death.
During the course of the inquest, police said that material indicating the commission of cognizable offences came to light. The proceedings were subsequently converted into FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo under Sections 4/6/8/10/17 of the POCSO Act and Sections 61(2)/65(1)/90/91/92 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During further investigation, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, including Sections 3(1)(w)(i), 3(2)(v) and 3(2)(va), were also added to the case.
SIT Constituted for Time-Bound Investigation
In view of the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, SSP Kishtwar constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional SP Kishtwar Pardeep Singh-JKPS.
The SIT comprises Dy. SP PC Dachhan Nitish Sharma, SHO Police Station Chatroo Inspector Rishi Kumar and other police officers. The team has been directed to conduct a thorough, scientific, impartial and time-bound investigation into all aspects of the case.
Teacher Named During Investigation
Police said that during the inquest and subsequent investigation, material surfaced against Khalid Hussain, son of Ghulam Mohd. Sheikh, resident of Gorinal, Tehsil Chatroo, who was posted as a teacher at Government Middle School, Gorinal, where the minor was studying.
According to the investigation, allegations of repeated sexual assault upon the minor surfaced, with police stating that the alleged offences resulted in her pregnancy.
Investigators further alleged that Khalid Hussain, in criminal conspiracy with his brother Tariq Hussain, son of Ghulam Mohd. Sheikh and resident of Gorinal, allegedly provided or administered medicines purportedly intended to terminate the pregnancy.
Investigation Extends to Medical Treatment
Police said the investigation also revealed that during the minor’s medical treatment, she was initially taken to PHC Chatroo and subsequently shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar by Tariq Hussain and others.
According to police, the investigation also brought forth allegations of connivance involving Farooq Ahmed, a daily-wage/sweeper employee at District Hospital Kishtwar, in connection with the minor’s treatment and ultrasound examination.
Three More Accused Arrested
As part of the continuing investigation, police arrested three more persons identified as:Farooq Ahmed, son of Sana Ullah, resident of Sangrambatta, Kishtwar;Mohd. Ishaq, son of Mohd. Khizar; and.Riyaz Ahmed, son of Ghulam Mohd. Sheikh, both residents of Sheikh Pura, Gorinal, Tehsil Chatroo.
Police said the three were arrested in connection with the alleged criminal conspiracy that surfaced during the investigation.
With these arrests, the total number of accused arrested in the case has reached five.
Further Arrests Not Ruled Out
District Police Kishtwar said the investigation remains underway and further arrests will be made wherever warranted by the evidence.
The SIT is examining all aspects of the case, including the circumstances surrounding the minor’s death, the allegations of sexual assault, the alleged pregnancy termination attempt, the medical treatment provided to her and the role of all persons who may have been involved.
SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh reiterated that the investigation is being conducted in a fair, impartial, professional, scientific and evidence-based manner.
Police said every aspect of the case is being thoroughly examined and strict legal action will be taken against any person found involved, strictly in accordance with law.(KNC)
