JAMMU, OCT 17: In a significant development in the Kishtwar minor sexual exploitation and death case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet against 15 accused within 60 days of taking over the investigation, bringing the probe to a crucial stage in the judicial process.
The voluminous chargesheet, spanning more than 1,000 pages and citing 143 witnesses, details the allegations and evidence examined during the investigation into the minor’s death on August 20, 2026. The case encompasses allegations of sexual exploitation, an attempted termination of an advanced pregnancy outside an authorised medical facility, alleged deficiencies in medical treatment and suspected efforts to prevent the matter from being reported to law-enforcement authorities.
The case originated with the registration of FIR NNumber 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo following the minor’s death. It was subsequently transferred to the Special Crime Wing, Jammu, and re-registered as FIR Number 27/2026 for investigation by the specialised unit.
During the probe, the SIT examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and the allegations relating to the minor’s exploitation, the attempted termination of pregnancy and the suspected suppression of information. The chargesheet invokes relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The chargesheet has been submitted before the Court of the Munsiff Judge, Kishtwar, who is holding charge as the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kishtwar, as the regular presiding officer is on leave.
The SIT was constituted by Sarah Rizvi, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Crime, Jammu and Kashmir, under the leadership of Sanjay Kumar Parihar, JKPS, SSP, Special Crime Wing, Jammu. The team conducted a detailed examination of the evidence and pursued the investigation through coordinated efforts, completing the chargesheet within the stipulated timeframe.
The Crime Branch has also indicated that further investigative steps may follow if additional evidence comes to light, including the filing of a supplementary chargesheet in accordance with law.
With 15 accused named in the chargesheet and 143 witnesses cited, the matter will now proceed through the judicial process. The charges against the accused remain subject to determination by the competent court.
