SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police in North Kashmir’s Handwara have arrested a man in connection with the sexual assault of a minor girl who later died by suicide, marking a major development in a case that drew local attention last month.
Justice for Minor Girl in Handwara FIR No. 17/2025: Booked under 64 BNS, 5(J)(II) POCSO Act🔹 Minor was 6 months pregnant; later died by suicide🔹 DNA confirms accused as biological father
🔹 Accused arrested; legal action in motion.@JmuKmrPolice @KashmirPolice @DIGBaramulla— DISTRICT POLICE HANDWARA (@HandwaraP) June 20, 2025
“The case was registered at Police Station Qalamabad on May 6 under FIR No. 17/2025 after it was found that the minor girl, whose identity has been withheld, was six months pregnant. The incident was investigated under sections 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 5(J)(II), and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,” police said.
Following the registration of the case, the girl attempted suicide by hanging at her residence. She was taken to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar for treatment but succumbed during the course of medical care.
“As part of the investigation, several suspects were detained and questioned. Police said forensic tests, including DNA profiling, were conducted. The analysis identified a man from Gulgam, Kupwara, as the biological father of the foetus, establishing his involvement in the crime,” police said.
The accused has been arrested and remains in custody. Further legal proceedings are in progress.
