Crime Branch chargesheets 15 accused in Kishtwar minor death case

Srinagar, Oct 17: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against 15 accused persons in connection with the Kishtwar minor sexual exploitation and death case within 60 days of the investigation being taken over by the unit.
Officials said that the case was initially registered as FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo following the minor’s death on August 20, 2026. It was subsequently transferred to the Special Crime Wing, Jammu, and re-registered as FIR No. 27/2026.
The investigation examined allegations relating to the sexual exploitation of the minor, an attempted termination of her advanced pregnancy outside an authorised medical facility, alleged lapses in medical treatment, and efforts to prevent the matter from being reported to law-enforcement authorities.
The chargesheet, comprising more than 1,000 pages, cites 143 witnesses and invokes the applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The chargesheet was presented before the Court of the Munsiff Judge, Kishtwar, who is holding charge as the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kishtwar, as the regular Presiding Officer is on leave.
The SIT was constituted by Ms Sarah Rizvi, IPS, IGP Crime, Jammu and Kashmir, and was headed by Sanjay Kumar Parihar, JKPS, SSP, Special Crime Wing, Jammu. The team undertook a detailed examination of the evidence and carried out the investigation through coordinated and sustained professional efforts, culminating in the filing of the chargesheet within the stipulated period.
Further investigative action, including the filing of a supplementary chargesheet, may be undertaken if additional evidence emerges, in accordance with law. (GNS)