The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the recent Kishtwar case, involving the alleged rape, forced abortion, and subsequent death of a minor girl, has taken three more individuals into custody. These newly arrested suspects are accused of assisting the primary perpetrator in covering up the crime and are currently being interrogated.
Earlier, on August 21, the police had arrested the victim’s teacher, Khalid Hussain Sheikh, who stands accused of raping and impregnating the student, along with his brother, who allegedly helped coerce the girl into undergoing the abortion procedure. Following these arrests, the Education Department placed Sheikh under suspension.
As part of their ongoing probe, the SIT has secured CCTV footage from the Kishtwar hospital, where the minor was declared dead upon arrival.
Investigators have also recorded statements from roughly 20 individuals, including staff from the government school in the Chatroo area where the victim studied, as well as personnel from medical facilities suspected of playing a role in the abortion.
In a parallel development, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued formal notices to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the SSP of Kishtwar, demanding a response to their queries within a five-day deadline.
