Kishtwar girl’s rape-death probe handed to Crime Branch amid cover-up allegations

The J&K government has ordered the Crime Branch to take over the investigation into the alleged sexual assault and death of a tribal teenager in Kishtwar, amid allegations of a cover-up. This comes after protests in the district over the girl's death, which reportedly followed at least six people, including hospital staff, being arrested for alleged complicity in an abortion attempt that proved fatal.

The move follows a petition filed by the girl's father in the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, alleging a cover-up. The father claims he only became aware of his daughter's pregnancy after she was taken to a health center a fortnight before her death. He further alleges that several individuals, including a headmaster, teachers, a local chemist, and others linked to him, attempted to cover up the incident.