Death of Jammu teen raped by headmaster: Notice after police fail to invoke SC/ST Act

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has demanded a report from the Jammu and Kashmir administration within five days regarding the alleged sexual assault of a tribal teenager by her headmaster in Kishtwar district, which resulted in her death due to a failed abortion. The commission invoked its powers under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution, directing the J&K chief secretary, director general of police, and the Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Kishtwar to respond accordingly.

Kabir Ahmed, member trustee of the Tribal Gujjar Bakerwal Welfare Foundation, filed the complaint. The minor had allegedly been abused by the headmaster for several months, which ultimately led to her demise on August 20, following an unsuccessful abortion attempt. Both the headmaster and his brother, who reportedly accompanied the teenager for the abortion attempt, have been arrested.

The education department initiated an inquiry and suspended the headmaster. The commission criticized the police for not invoking the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, despite the victim being a tribal. They have urged authorities to verify the girl's and headmaster's status, provide protection to the family, consider compensation, and preserve evidence.