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

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes 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 a fatal pregnancy. The commission invoked its powers under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution on August 25 and requested the J&K chief secretary, the director general of police, and the SSP of Kishtwar to respond within the specified timeframe.

The grievance was filed by Kabir Ahmed, a member trustee of the Tribal Gujjar Bakerwal Welfare Foundation in Dhanyote. The minor allegedly endured abuse by the headmaster for a prolonged period, leading to her demise on August 20 following a botched abortion attempt. Protests erupted across the district in response to the tragic incident.

Both the headmaster and his brother, who allegedly participated in the failed abortion attempt, have been apprehended. The education department launched an investigation, suspending the headmaster in the meantime. The commission criticized the police for not invoking the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, despite the victim being a tribal.

Authorities were directed to verify the status of the girl and the headmaster, offer protection to her family, consider compensation, and preserve evidence. The case came to light after the girl complained of abdominal pain, leading her to seek medical assistance. She was diagnosed with pregnancy, and her condition deteriorated during an alleged forced abortion, causing labor and ultimately resulting in a stillbirth. The girl succumbed to her injuries while being transported to a nearby hospital.