A 12-year-old girl was found dead near her home in Galwanpora village of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Sunday morning, hours after she went missing. Police suspect rape and murder in the case, sparking outrage across the region.
Police Investigation Underway
Senior Superintendent of Police Hariprasad KK confirmed that legal and medical formalities have been completed. "Prima facie, it seems a case of rape and murder, and all relevant sections of law have been added to the FIR," he said. "We will use all available resources to crack the case." No arrests had been made as of Sunday evening, and police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Outrage and Grief Across Kashmir
The crime has triggered widespread condemnation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that his government will fully support agencies to "ensure exemplary punishment" for the guilty. Health Minister Sakina Itoo visited the victim's family, assuring them of "all possible support and justice."
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called the killing a grim reminder of the growing vulnerability of women and children. Peoples Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone said he was deeply shaken, adding, "Allegations surrounding this crime make it even more painful and disturbing."
Timeline of Events
According to SSP Hariprasad, police received information around 10 PM on Saturday that the girl had disappeared from the village, located about a 10-minute drive from Srinagar airport. Search teams combed the area through the night before her body was found approximately 200 meters from her house early Sunday morning.
