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

Three additional individuals, comprising a district hospital employee in Kishtwar and two relatives of the accused school headmaster, have been apprehended by the Jammu & Kashmir Police. The total count of arrests now stands at five. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into all facets of the case, as stated by Kishtwar SSP Naresh Singh.

This development follows the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issuing a notice to district authorities concerning the incident. The teenager allegedly endured sexual abuse by the headmaster for a prolonged period, culminating in her demise on August 20 following a botched abortion attempt. Protests erupted across the district in response to her death.

The case surfaced when the girl expressed stomach pain, leading to confirmation of her pregnancy at a local health center. She was subsequently transferred to medical facilities where a fatal abortion attempt weakened her, resulting in labour induction and a stillbirth. The NCST has urged authorities to investigate the status of the girl and the headmaster, provide protection to their families, consider compensation, and preserve evidence.

The headmaster and his brother, who reportedly facilitated the abortion attempt alongside the hospital employee, have been arrested. The education department has initiated an inquiry and suspended the headmaster. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, criminal conspiracy, rape of a minor, and the act intended to cause miscarriage are among the charges brought against the accused.