NCST seeks J&K report in tribal teen's death after rape by headmaster
NCST has issued a notice to J&K authorities over the death of a tribal teenager allegedly raped by her headmaster in Kishtwar, seeking a report within five days.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to submit a detailed report within five days on the death of a tribal teenager in Kishtwar district, who allegedly died after a failed abortion attempt linked to repeated sexual assault by her school headmaster.
Issuing the notice on August 25 under Article 338A of the Constitution, the commission has sought responses from the chief secretary, the director general of police, and the Kishtwar superintendent of police. The action follows a complaint filed by Kabir Ahmed, a trustee of the Tribal Gujjar Bakerwal Welfare Foundation.
The teenager died on August 20 while being taken to a hospital near Udhampur. Her death came days after an abortion procedure went wrong, reportedly induced at a local medical facility. The case came to light when she complained of stomach pain and was taken to a health centre, where her pregnancy was confirmed.
The headmaster and his brother, both accused of accompanying the girl for the abortion attempt, have been arrested. The education department has suspended the headmaster and initiated an inquiry.
In its notice, the NCST noted that the police had not invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act despite the victim belonging to a tribal community. The commission has also asked authorities to verify the status of the victim and the accused, ensure protection for the family, consider compensation, and preserve all evidence related to the case.
The incident has triggered protests across Kishtwar district, with locals demanding strict action against the accused.