Srinagar | October, 17: The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir has filed an extensive 1,000-page chargesheet against 15 accused individuals within 60 days of taking over the investigation into the Kishtwar minor sexual exploitation and death case. Officials said the Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by IGP Sarah Rizvi and headed by SSP Sanjay Kumar Parihar, cited 143 witnesses in the filing. The case originated as FIR No. 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo following the minor’s death on August 20, 2026, before being transferred to the Special Crime Wing, Jammu, as FIR No. 27/2026.
The official statement detailed that the investigation probed allegations of sexual exploitation, an illegal attempted pregnancy termination outside an authorized medical facility, severe medical negligence, and deliberate attempts to prevent law enforcement reporting. The chargesheet invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the POCSO Act, 2012, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Submitted before the Munsiff Judge, Kishtwar—holding charge as Principal District and Sessions Judge—the document marks a major procedural milestone, with officials indicating that supplementary chargesheets may follow if further evidence emerges.
