Srinagar, August 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Thursday has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his immediate intervention in the tragic and deeply disturbing case involving the alleged repeated rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl from the Gujjar-Bakarwal community in Chatroo, Kishtwar, her subsequent pregnancy and her tragic death while being shifted for specialised medical treatment following an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy.
In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami said that the minor was allegedly raped repeatedly by a teacher at her school over several months. The accused teacher and his brother have been arrested, while the circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual assault, the pregnancy, the attempted termination and the events leading to the child’s death remain under investigation.
Association urged the Home Minister to ensure an independent, comprehensive and time-bound investigation into the entire matter. The Association has sought the constitution of a senior-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) and, if considered necessary to ensure greater independence and public confidence, the transfer of the investigation to the Crime Branch or another specialised agency.
He emphasised that the investigation should not be confined to those already arrested. Every person whose involvement, assistance, concealment of evidence or obstruction of justice emerges through credible evidence must be investigated and dealt with strictly in accordance with law.
JKSA has also called for the immediate securing, preservation and examination of all relevant evidence, including medical and hospital records, post-mortem material, forensic and DNA samples, electronic communications, school records, attendance registers and other documentary or digital evidence. The Association has urged the authorities to determine whether any previous complaints, warning signs or institutional failures could have brought the alleged abuse to light earlier.
Khuehami further sought adequate protection and support for the victim’s family and material witnesses, particularly in view of their vulnerable socio-economic circumstances. He said that any attempt to intimidate, pressure, influence or silence the family or witnesses must be promptly investigated and, if established, dealt with firmly under law.
Association urged the authorities to undertake a comprehensive child-safety audit of schools and educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those located in remote areas and serving nomadic and tribal communities. The Association has called for stronger child-protection mechanisms, effective complaint and reporting systems, proper staff verification, implementation of POCSO provisions and accessible, confidential and child-friendly channels through which children can safely report abuse.
Khuehami also called for speedy prosecution before the competent court wherever sufficient evidence is established, while emphasising that due process and the presumption of innocence must be respected and that guilt must ultimately be determined by the competent court on the basis of evidence. He said the public anguish and mobilisation across Kishtwar and parts of the Chenab Valley reflect the seriousness of the matter and the widespread demand for justice.
Khuehami urged the Home Minister to issue appropriate directions to the Chief Secretary and DGP and other competent agencies to ensure effective oversight of the investigation and to examine any institutional or administrative failures connected with the case. He also sought appropriate departmental action against any government employee found culpable and prosecution of every accused against whom sufficient evidence is established.
Khuehami urged the Home Minister that no influence, position or pressure is allowed to undermine the investigation or obstruct justice. He said the tragic death of the young girl must not fade from public memory but should instead serve as a catalyst for stronger child-protection mechanisms, institutional accountability and better access to justice for vulnerable children across Jammu and Kashmir.
