A 12-year-old girl who went missing from her home in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district was found raped and murdered, police said on Tuesday.
The girl had gone missing from her residence in the Chadoora area of Budgam on Monday evening. After a frantic search by her family and locals, her body was discovered in a nearby orchard on Tuesday morning.
Police officials said that the post-mortem examination confirmed that the minor had been raped before being murdered. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Investigation Underway
Senior police officers have visited the crime scene and formed special teams to apprehend the accused. Preliminary investigations suggest that the perpetrator might be known to the victim. Forensic experts are collecting evidence from the spot.
Locals have expressed outrage over the incident and demanded swift justice. Protests were held in the area, with residents demanding strict action against the culprits.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of children in the region. Police have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.
