Kishtwar girl dies after ‘forced abortion’ bid, teacher held

In the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a 14-year-old schoolgirl tragically passed away after an alleged forced abortion attempt on Thursday. This incident has sparked widespread outrage, resulting in protests and the subsequent arrest of a teacher and his brother on charges of sexual assault and other offenses. Teacher Khalid Hussain, who works at a government middle school in Bamalpora, was taken into custody under the POCSO Act and other relevant provisions. His brother, Tariq, was also arrested for assisting in the illegal abortion procedure.

According to the police, Khalid attempted to carry out the forced abortion using medicines in Chatroo, but the girl's condition worsened. She was subsequently transferred from the District Hospital Kishtwar to the Government Medical College in Jammu for specialized treatment. However, complications arose during the ambulance journey, and the young girl lost her life near Doda's Batote on Thursday.

Following the postmortem examination, it was confirmed that the girl was pregnant and that the abortion attempt had been forced. Her body was subsequently handed over to her relatives after completing the necessary legal formalities. Investigations are now underway to determine if any other individuals were involved in this illegal act.

The police are particularly focusing on the girl's relatives, potential medical professionals, and the pharmacy owner who supplied the abortion medicines without adhering to proper procedures.

The young girl's death has ignited anger among the residents, leading to a shutdown in Chatroo and protests in various parts of Kishtwar. Members of the BJP's Mahila Morcha Kishwar have reached out to local officials, urging for the strictest possible action and justice for the victim. Shortly after the protests, Khalid Hussain was suspended from his position.