Srinagar, Oct 17: The Crime Branch Jammu has filed a chargesheet spanning over 1,000 pages against 15 accused in the alleged rape and death of a minor tribal girl in Kishtwar, nearly 50 days after taking over the investigation.
The chargesheet was presented before the Munsiff Judge, Kishtwar, who is holding charge as the Principal District and Sessions Judge in the absence of the regular presiding judge, who is on leave.
The case was transferred to the Crime Branch on August 29 following widespread protests and public outrage. According to officials, the minor was allegedly sexually exploited by her schoolteacher over several months before she died on August 20, 2026, during a pregnancy termination procedure.
The chargesheet reportedly names 143 witnesses and invokes relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Those named include Khalid Hussain, in-charge headmaster of Government Middle School, Bumalpora, Gorinal, who is accused of sexually exploiting the minor; Sonika Parihar, an NHM-associated staff nurse; Zareena Begum, a hospital sanitation worker; and Peer Baksh Bumal, a local community leader from Udil, Chatroo.
Other accused include Tariq Hussain, Farooq Ahmed, Gh. Qadir Sheikh, Noor Din, Mohd. Ishaq, Abdul Latief Bhanday, a teacher posted at Middle School Majhor, and Haroon Mir, a medical shop owner accused of illegally operating a shop on the premises of Primary Health Centre, Chatroo.
The investigation has examined allegations involving the procurement of medicines, transportation arrangements, medical treatment and attempts to suppress information about the incident. The specific role of each accused will be determined during the judicial proceedings.
According to available information, 12 accused remain in jail, while three have reportedly secured bail in proceedings related to allegations of failing to report the matter to police. Earlier, the Principal Sessions Court, Kishtwar, rejected the regular bail pleas of Sonika Parihar, Zareena Begum and Peer Baksh Bumal.
Two drivers, identified as Raiz Ahmed and Abid Hussain, are reportedly yet to be arrested. Further investigation is underway, and a supplementary chargesheet may be filed if additional evidence emerges.
The identity of the newborn's biological father remains undisclosed by the Crime Branch in the information available so far. Any determination of paternity would require verified forensic findings and official investigative records.
The case was initially registered as FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo following the minor's death on August 20. It was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch's Special Crime Wing, Jammu, and re-registered as FIR No. 27/2026.
With the chargesheet filed, the case will proceed through the judicial process. The allegations against the accused remain subject to trial, and their guilt or innocence will be determined by the competent court.