Death of rape victim during abortion bid: Kishtwar hospital staff among 3 held

Three additional individuals, comprising an employee from the government-run district hospital in Kishtwar, a hospital sweeper, and two relatives of the accused headmaster, have been apprehended by the Jammu & Kashmir Police in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a young tribal girl by her school headmaster, resulting in her untimely death due to a botched abortion, according to police reports.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (SSP) Naresh Singh stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is meticulously probing every facet of the case, including the utilization of ultrasound equipment and the administration of abortion medication. The headmaster and his brother have been detained for their alleged roles in the incident, which occurred following months of the girl's alleged abuse by the headmaster.

The education department has launched an inquiry, suspending the headmaster in the interim. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued notices to key officials, urging them to submit reports within five days, questioning the police's failure to apply the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given the victim's tribal background.

The commission has also called for the protection of the victim's family, compensation consideration, and preservation of evidence. The girl passed away on August 20, following a failed abortion attempt, leading to widespread protests in the district.