Three More Arrested in Kishtwar Tribal Teen's Death, Including Hospital Staffer

Jammu & Kashmir Police have made three more arrests in connection with the death of a tribal teenager in Kishtwar, bringing the total number of people held in the case to five. Among those newly arrested is an employee of the state-run district hospital, along with two relatives of the school headmaster who is the prime accused.

The teenager died on August 20 after a failed abortion attempt. Police allege she had been sexually assaulted by the headmaster over several months. The case came to light when she complained of stomach pain and was taken to a local health centre, where her pregnancy was confirmed. She was later taken to medical facilities where an abortion was attempted, allegedly leading to a stillbirth and her subsequent death.

According to police, the headmaster and his brother took the girl to the district hospital in Kishtwar, where they allegedly enlisted the help of a sweeper to arrange an ultrasound and procure abortion medication. The headmaster and his brother have also been arrested. The education department has suspended the headmaster and initiated an inquiry.

Kishtwar Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a thorough, scientific, and time-bound investigation into all aspects of the case. He added that further arrests are underway wherever warranted by evidence.

Initially, no formal complaint was registered, and police began inquest proceedings. A case was later registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with sections related to criminal conspiracy, rape of a minor, and causing death by an act intended to cause miscarriage. On Wednesday, the SSP confirmed that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has also been invoked.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Kishtwar SSP, seeking a report within five days. The commission noted that the SC/ST Act was not initially invoked despite the victim being a tribal. It has also asked authorities to verify the status of the girl and the headmaster, provide protection to the family, consider compensation, and preserve evidence.

The teenager's death triggered widespread protests across the district.