By Asif Iqbal Naik
KISHTWAR, OCTOBER 17: The Crime Branch Jammu has filed a chargesheet against 15 accused in the Kishtwar minor rape-death case. The prosecution report reportedly exceeds 1,000 pages and names 143 witnesses, marking a significant development in the investigation.
The chargesheet was submitted before the Munsiff Judge Kishtwar, currently holding additional charge as Principal District and Sessions Judge. According to available information, 12 accused remain in judicial custody, while three have been granted bail. Two drivers, identified as Raiz Ahmed and Abid Hussain, are reportedly yet to be arrested.
Among those named in the investigation are Khalid Hussain, an in-charge headmaster accused of sexually exploiting the minor; NHM-associated staff nurse Sonika Parihar; hospital sanitation worker Zareena Begum; and local community leader Peer Baksh Bumal. Several others face allegations relating to medical arrangements, transportation, concealment of information and failure to report the incident to authorities.
The case originated following the minor’s death on August 20, 2026. Initially registered as FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo, it was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch’s Special Crime Wing, Jammu, and re-registered as FIR No. 27/2026.
Investigators are examining allegations of sexual exploitation, an attempted termination of advanced pregnancy outside an authorised medical setting, alleged medical negligence and efforts to suppress information about the incident.
A major unanswered question concerns the biological father of the newborn delivered by the minor. Although biological samples were reportedly collected during the investigation, authorities have not publicly disclosed the paternity findings.
The Principal Sessions Court, Kishtwar, had earlier rejected bail applications filed by Sonika Parihar, Zareena Begum and Peer Baksh Bumal, citing concerns raised by the prosecution regarding the seriousness of the allegations and possible interference with witnesses or evidence.
The accused face charges under applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the POCSO Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
With the chargesheet now submitted, investigators may file a supplementary chargesheet as further evidence emerges. The allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial examination, and guilt will be determined by the competent court.
