SIT Continues Investigation Into Suspicious Death of 13–14-Year-Old Girl; Hospital Records, DNA Samples and CDRs Under Examination
KISHTWAR, September 27, 2026: The Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch, Jammu, has informed the Principal Sessions Court in Kishtwar that the investigation into the suspicious death of a minor girl from Chatroo remains underway, with forensic reports and other material evidence still awaited or under examination.
The status report concerns the death of the daughter of Mohd. Shafi, a resident of Bumalpora/Gorinal in Tehsil Chatroo. According to the Crime Branch, information about the girl’s death was received on August 20, 2026, after her body was found at District Hospital Kishtwar. Inquest proceedings were subsequently initiated at Police Station Chatroo to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
FIR No. 34/2026, initially registered at Police Station Chatroo, was later transferred to the Crime Branch. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by Crime Branch Headquarters is now investigating the case.
The SIT has collected evidence and recorded statements of material witnesses. Medical records from PHC Chatroo, District Hospital Kishtwar and GMC Doda have also been obtained and are being examined.
The Crime Branch told the court that the bodies of the minor girl and a newborn male child underwent post-mortem examination by a Board of Doctors at District Hospital Kishtwar. Biological samples and viscera were preserved for forensic examination and DNA profiling.
According to the status report, the investigation has also led to the arrest of additional persons as their alleged roles emerged during the probe. The report states that Tariq Hussain, Farooq Ahmed and Mohd. Isaq, along with concerned vehicle drivers, were involved in transporting the girl to GMC Doda. The report further states that she delivered a premature/dead male child during the journey and later died while being shifted toward GMC Jammu. These are allegations and investigative findings at this stage, not findings of guilt by a court.
Investigators have seized the vehicle allegedly used for transportation, collected hospital records and obtained Call Detail Records (CDRs) of persons connected with the case. The CDRs have been forwarded to the FSL for examination.
The Crime Branch has told the court that the SIT is conducting the investigation in accordance with law, including applicable provisions of the POCSO Act, and is working to establish the complete facts and determine the role, if any, of each person connected with the case.
The agency has sought disposal of the application while informing the court that the investigation is still in progress and that important forensic and other evidence is yet to be received, collected and examined.
