Mehbooba Urges LG To Hand Over Kishtwar Rape-Death Case To Crime Branch

Srinagar, Aug 29: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to hand over the Kishtwar rape and death case to the Crime Branch for a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation.

In a post on X, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the incident was not merely another case of crime against women but a serious failure that had shaken public faith in the justice system.

“Ten days on, the silence surrounding this brutal crime is only deepening the anguish of the grieving family and eroding public faith in the justice system,” Mehbooba said.

She urged the Lieutenant Governor to ensure that decisive action was taken and those responsible were brought to justice with exemplary punishment, warning that failure to act could allow such crimes to continue with impunity.

Mehbooba called for the immediate transfer of the case to the Crime Branch, saying an independent and transparent probe was necessary to establish the facts and ensure justice for the victim’s family.

The case involves a 15-year-old tribal girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted repeatedly by her school teacher over several months, resulting in her pregnancy.

The girl died on August 20 following an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.

The incident has triggered demands for stringent action against those allegedly responsible and a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the girl’s death. (Agencies)