Srinagar, August 29: PDP President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to hand over the Chatroo case to the Crime Branch for an independent and time-bound investigation.

Reacting to the alleged rape and murder of a schoolgirl in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, Mehbooba said the incident had caused deep anguish and raised serious concerns about the safety of women and children.

In a post on X, she said the case should not be treated as another crime against women, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the incident had caused significant distress to the victim’s family and raised questions about public confidence in the justice process.

Mehbooba said that nearly ten days after the incident, the lack of clarity surrounding the case was adding to the family’s suffering.

She called for decisive action against those responsible and said anyone found guilty should face exemplary punishment under law.

The PDP president appealed to LG Manoj Sinha to immediately transfer the investigation to the Crime Branch, saying the probe should be fair, transparent and completed within a defined timeframe.

Police have so far arrested six persons in connection with the case, including a teacher and a nurse.

Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and the allegations against the accused is underway.