Srinagar, Oct 17: The Crime Branch Jammu & Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against 15 accused in the Kishtwar minor sexual exploitation and death case within the stipulated period of 60 days after taking over the investigation.
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 later transferred to the Special Crime Wing, Jammu, and re-registered as FIR No. 27/2026.
According to the investigation details, the SIT examined allegations of sexual exploitation of the minor, an alleged attempt to terminate her advanced pregnancy outside an authorised medical facility, lapses in medical treatment, and efforts to prevent the matter from reaching law enforcement authorities.
The chargesheet, running into more than 1,000 pages, cites 143 witnesses. It invokes relevant 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, in view of the regular Presiding Officer being on leave.
The Special Investigation Team was constituted by Sarah Rizvi, IPS, IGP Crime, J&K, and headed by Sanjay Kumar Parihar, JKPS, SSP, Special Crime Wing, Jammu.
The team conducted a detailed investigation and examined the available evidence before filing the chargesheet within the stipulated timeframe.
The Crime Branch has also indicated that further investigation may be carried out and a supplementary chargesheet filed if additional evidence emerges, in accordance with the law.
