Kishtwar minor’s rape and death: JKSA delegation meets bereaved family, demands justice, accountability and comprehensive investigation

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday met the bereaved family of the 14-year-old Gujjar-Bakarwal minor in Kishtwar and expressed solidarity with them following the deeply tragic circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual assault, pregnancy and subsequent death of the minor.

The delegation was led by National Secretary of Association Adv. Mubashir Ahmed. During the meeting, the delegation listened to the family’s concerns and reiterated that the matter must be investigated with the utmost seriousness, sensitivity and impartiality. The Association has demanded that the investigation be transferred to the Crime Branch, or entrusted to a senior-level Special Investigation Team (SIT), to ensure greater independence, credibility and public confidence in the process.

Mubashir said that the Association has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking his immediate intervention and appropriate oversight of the investigation. He said that the circumstances leading to the minor’s death must be examined in their entirety and that the investigation should not be restricted only to those who have already been arrested.

“Every aspect of the case; including the alleged sexual assault, pregnancy, attempted termination, medical treatment, the circumstances surrounding the minor’s death, and any possible institutional or administrative failures must be thoroughly investigated on the basis of evidence,” he said.

He also stressed the need to immediately secure, preserve and examine all relevant medical, forensic, documentary and digital evidence. This should include medical and hospital records, forensic material, post-mortem findings, electronic communications, school records and any other evidence relevant to establishing the sequence of events. The authorities must also ascertain whether any previous complaints, warning signs or institutional lapses were overlooked.

Anyone found to have facilitated the alleged crime, concealed relevant information, destroyed or tampered with evidence, or obstructed the course of justice must be investigated and dealt with strictly in accordance with law, he added.

The Association further urged the authorities to ensure adequate protection and support for the victim’s family and material witnesses, particularly in view of their vulnerable socio-economic circumstances. No family member or witness should be subjected to intimidation, pressure, influence or any attempt to silence them during the investigation.

Association emphasised that the issue extends beyond a single family or case. It raises serious concerns about the safety and protection of children and students, particularly young girls studying in remote and vulnerable communities. Educational institutions must remain safe spaces, and every child should have access to confidential, accessible and child-friendly mechanisms to report abuse without fear.

The Association reiterated its demand for a fair, independent, comprehensive and time-bound investigation, preferably under the Crime Branch, followed by speedy prosecution wherever sufficient evidence is established. At the same time, JKSA stressed that due process and the presumption of innocence must be respected, with guilt ultimately determined by the competent court on the basis of evidence.

“The family deserves justice, the community deserves answers, and every child deserves protection. No influence, position or pressure should be allowed to undermine the investigation or obstruct the course of justice,” he said.

Association added that, it stands firmly with the victim’s family and reiterates that the tragic death of the young girl must not fade from public memory. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for stronger child-protection mechanisms, greater institutional accountability, and improved access to justice for vulnerable children across Jammu & Kashmir.