DNA Evidence Identifies Perpetrator in Minor’s Assault in B’la: Police

Srinagar: Police in Baramulla has achieved a critical breakthrough in the investigation of a sexual assault case involving a mentally challenged minor girl, resulting in the identification and arrest of three accused persons through sustained forensic and investigative efforts.
In a statement issued from Zonal Police Headquarters Srinagar Police said that after receiving inputs in January 2025, Kunzer Police Station registered FIR No. 04/2025 under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and BNS as a 16-year-old girl was found to be 25 weeks pregnant during a medical examination at SDH Magam.
Stating that investigation, led by then-SHO Kunzer Inspector Sheikh Adil proved repeated assaults on the minor by multiple perpetrators Police in its statement further said that initial inquiries led to the arrest of Mohd Rafiq Bhat(resident of Dhobiwan), Mohd Nasarullah Khan (resident of Hayhama Lolab, Kupwara) , adding therein that the said accused were alleged to have committed rape, aggravated sexual assault, and carried out kidnapping under POCSO provisions, though DNA analysis excluded both of them as the father.
Police in its statement further said that through persistent efforts, investigators focused on Jawad Alam (resident of Champaran) as a prime suspect, Stating therein further that Forensic matching confirmed his DNA matched the foetus, establishing him as the biological father and confirmed his role in the sexual assault leading to the pregnancy. Stating that Investigations confirmed assault by all the three on the victim on multiple occasions, with Alam responsible for the conception Police in its statement further said that this case reflects Police’s relentless commitment to securing justice for the most vulnerable, adding there in the that despite initial forensic complexities, the team employed methodical investigation and advanced technology to identify all perpetrators.
Police in the concluding para of its above quoted statement reaffirmed its commitment to zero-tolerance stance towards crimes against children vowed to ensure rigorous prosecution, appealing therein people having additional information on this case or related incidents to come forward.