SRINAGAR: Police on Sunday said the death of a 12-year-old girl in Galwanpora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district is prima facie a case of rape and murder, with all available resources being mobilised to ensure an early breakthrough in the investigation.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam said police received information regarding the minor’s disappearance at around 10 pm on May 23. Following the report, an FIR was registered under relevant sections pertaining to the kidnapping of a minor, and extensive search operations were launched throughout the night.
The officer said the girl’s body was recovered at around 7.15 am on Sunday from a location nearly 200 metres from her residence. Medico-legal formalities were subsequently carried out.
“At this stage, prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder, and all relevant sections of law have been added,” the SSP said.
He said the investigation was still at a preliminary stage, with police carrying out extensive searches in and around the area where the body was recovered. Tracker dogs have been deployed within a one-kilometre radius of the site, while CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined.
“Local suspects are being questioned and evidence seizure and verification processes are being carried out continuously and simultaneously,” he said.
Appealing for public cooperation, the SSP urged people not to circulate misinformation or unverified content related to the case.
“This case is the top priority of Budgam Police and all available manpower and investigative expertise are dedicated to solving it,” he said.
Senior police officials visited the area during the day and said investigators were close to a breakthrough. They also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities during the course of the investigation.
Budgam MLA Agha Muntazir condemned the killing and called for strict action against those responsible. He urged the administration to identify and arrest the culprits without delay and stressed the need for collective efforts to uphold moral and social values to help prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, Budgam Police issued an advisory cautioning the public and media against sharing the identity, photographs or any personal details of the minor victim on social media platforms, reiterating that any such violation would attract stringent legal action.
