Sixth Arrest in Kishtwar Minor's Rape-Murder Case: Nurse Held

The investigation into the rape and death of a 14-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district has led to a sixth arrest. A nurse posted at the District Hospital Kishtwar has been taken into custody, with police saying her role came to light during the ongoing probe into the minor's suspicious death.

The case, registered at Police Station Chatroo, invokes stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Given the extreme sensitivity of the matter, the investigation has now been handed over to the Crime Branch. Earlier, the Senior Superintendent of Police for Kishtwar had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the case.

According to police, the investigation has revealed disturbing details of repeated sexual exploitation of the minor, which led to her pregnancy. A clandestine attempt to terminate the pregnancy was allegedly made, and the involvement of multiple persons, including those connected with her medical treatment, has emerged. Five accused, including a government teacher and his brother, were arrested previously.

Police have stated that the SIT is conducting a thorough, scientific, and evidence-based investigation, and have assured that no one guilty will be spared. Further arrests will be made wherever warranted by evidence.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking his intervention and adequate protection for the victim's family and witnesses, citing their vulnerable socio-economic background. The association has demanded an independent, time-bound investigation and the securing of all crucial evidence, including medical records and forensic samples. It has also called for a comprehensive child-safety audit of schools across Jammu and Kashmir, especially those in remote areas catering to tribal and nomadic children.