3 days ago
Nurse Arrested as Probe Expands in J&K Girl’s Death
A 14-year-old girl in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, died in suspicious circumstances.
Police are investigating allegations that she was repeatedly sexually abused and became pregnant.
They are also examining an alleged secret attempt to end the pregnancy.
A nurse at District Hospital Kishtwar has now been arrested as the sixth accused.
Five other people, including a government teacher and his brother, were arrested earlier.
The investigation is being handled by the Crime Branch after an earlier Special Investigation Team inquiry.
Police said they will arrest more people if evidence supports it.
A students’ organization is asking for protection for the girl’s family and witnesses and for a careful investigation.
A nurse at District Hospital Kishtwar was arrested as the sixth accused in the case.
Police are investigating alleged repeated sexual exploitation, pregnancy and an attempted clandestine termination involving the 14-year-old.
Five other accused, including a government teacher and his brother, had already been arrested.
The case was registered under the POCSO Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association urged protection for the family and witnesses, evidence preservation and a time-bound probe.
- Who
- A 14-year-old girl, a nurse, five previously arrested accused, police investigators and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association are involved in the case.
- What
- Police are investigating the alleged rape, repeated sexual exploitation, pregnancy, attempted clandestine termination and death of the girl; a nurse was arrested as the sixth accused.
- Where
- Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, including District Hospital Kishtwar and Police Station Chatroo.
- When
- The nurse’s arrest occurred during the ongoing investigation; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- Police say the investigation concerns the girl’s suspicious death and alleged sexual exploitation; the students’ association seeks accountability, protection and preservation of evidence.
Official Investigation
Rights Advocates
Handling of the case
Official Investigation
Police say the SIT is conducting a thorough, scientific, impartial and evidence-based investigation, with the case now transferred to the Crime Branch.
Rights Advocates
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for an independent, comprehensive and time-bound investigation by a senior-level SIT, with Crime Branch involvement if needed.
Protection and evidence
Official Investigation
Police said further arrests will be made wherever warranted by evidence and that no guilty person will be spared.
Rights Advocates
The association requested protection for the victim’s family and witnesses and called for securing medical records, post-mortem findings, DNA and forensic samples, electronic communications and school attendance registers.
Broader safeguards
Official Investigation
The police statement focused on the ongoing criminal investigation and arrests.
Rights Advocates
The association called for child-safety audits of schools, stronger POCSO implementation, staff verification and child-friendly complaint mechanisms, especially for tribal and nomadic children in remote areas.
Key facts
- Latest arrest
- A nurse posted at District Hospital Kishtwar was arrested as the sixth accused.
- Victim
- A 14-year-old girl from the Gujjar-Bakarwal community.
- Earlier arrests
- Five accused, including a government teacher and his brother, had already been arrested.
- Investigating agency
- The probe has been handed over to the Crime Branch; an SIT had earlier been constituted by the SSP Kishtwar.
- Case provisions
- The FIR cites the POCSO Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Association demands
- The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association called for family and witness protection, evidence preservation and a time-bound investigation.
Quotes
Kishtwar Police
Police authorities investigating the case through a Special Investigation Team
“The SIT is pursuing a thorough, scientific, impartial and evidence-based investigation. No one guilty will be spared. Further arrests will be made wherever warranted by evidence.”
NDTV
“Any attempt to intimidate, pressurise or silence the victim's family or witnesses must be dealt with firmly under law.”
NDTV
Sources
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