KISHTWAR, October 12, 2026: In a significant development in the Chatroo minor death case, the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Kishtwar, has suspended government teacher Abdul Latief Banday following his arrest by the Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch, Jammu.
Banday, posted as Teacher Grade-II at Middle School Mehjar in Zone Inderwal, was arrested on October 6 in connection with FIR No. 27/2026. The suspension order, issued on October 8 under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, will remain effective pending further enquiry.
Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Government dismissed Khalid Hussain Sheikh, the prime accused in the case, from government service through an order dated September 21, 2026. Sheikh was serving as a Grade-II teacher and officiating headmaster at Government Middle School Bumalpora in Kishtwar district.
The case involves allegations of sexual exploitation and circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and subsequent death of a minor girl from the Chatroo area. Several individuals have been arrested as investigators examine their alleged involvement.
The Crime Branch is examining medical records, witness statements, electronic evidence and forensic samples, including material collected for DNA profiling.
The case has sparked widespread public outrage across Kishtwar, with residents demanding a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those found responsible.
While Sheikh has been dismissed from government service, Banday remains under suspension pending further enquiry. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial determination.
