KISHTWAR, October 11: The Principal Sessions Court in Kishtwar has rejected the regular bail applications of three accused persons in a case involving the alleged sexual assault of a minor schoolgirl, an alleged illegal abortion attempt and her subsequent death.
Principal Sessions Judge Sudhir Kumar Khajuria dismissed the bail pleas of Sonika Parihar, a staff nurse associated with the National Health Mission (NHM); Zareena Begum, a sanitation worker at District Hospital Kishtwar; and Peer Baksh Bumal, a local community leader from Udil, Chatroo.
The case was initially registered as FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo before being transferred to the Crime Branch’s Special Crime Wing, Jammu, where it was re-registered as FIR No. 27/2026.
According to the prosecution, the minor girl was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assault by Khalid Hussain, the in-charge headmaster of Government Middle School, Bumalpora, Gorinal, resulting in her pregnancy.
Investigators allege that an attempt was subsequently made to terminate her advanced pregnancy outside an authorized medical facility. Sonika Parihar is accused of coordinating medical arrangements and prescribing medicines allegedly intended to terminate the pregnancy.
Zareena Begum is accused of performing an unauthorized medical procedure on the minor at District Hospital Kishtwar, while Peer Baksh Bumal allegedly organized community meetings in an attempt to suppress the incident and prevent it from being reported to police.
The prosecution states that the minor suffered serious medical complications, including severe blood loss, and died while being shifted towards Jammu for further treatment. A premature male baby was also reportedly delivered deceased.
During the bail hearings, Public Prosecutor Anshuman Dubay opposed the applications, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations, the ongoing investigation and concerns about possible witness intimidation and interference with evidence.
After considering the arguments, the court dismissed all three regular bail applications.
The investigation involves multiple accused persons and includes examination of witness statements, electronic communications, medical evidence and forensic samples.
The accused face charges under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The allegations remain unproven and are subject to trial. The rejection of bail does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The case has raised serious concerns regarding child protection, alleged medical negligence and attempts to obstruct the reporting of serious criminal allegations.
