Missing 12-year-old girl found dead in J&K, body found 200 metres from home

A 12-year-old girl who had gone missing from Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district was found dead near her home on Sunday, with police suspecting rape and murder in an incident that has triggered outrage and shock across the valley.

The girl had gone missing from the Galwanpora area of Budgam on Saturday evening, following which police registered a kidnapping case and launched a search operation. Her body was recovered on Sunday morning from a field around 200 metres from her house, officials said.

“A case of kidnapping a minor child was registered and searches were carried out. Unfortunately, the body of the child was found this morning,” Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Hariprasad K K said.

The officer said the body was sent for post-mortem examination and that relevant sections pertaining to rape and murder had been added to the FIR. “Prima facie it seems to be a case of rape and murder. We have added the relevant sections of the law to the FIR,” he said.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and religious figures, with many demanding strict punishment for those responsible.

SHOCKING, DEEPLY DISTRESSING: J&K CM

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as “shocking and deeply distressing” and said it should serve as a moment of introspection for society.

“While the appropriate agencies enquire into the circumstances of her murder, it's also fitting that we reflect on where we as a society are headed when our young children are not safe,” Abdullah said.

“I condemn this brutal attack without reservation or condition and send my sympathies to her family,” he added, assuring full support to investigating agencies to ensure exemplary punishment for the accused.

DISCONCERTING, UNSETTLING: MEHBOOBA MUFTI

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the alleged rape and murder was "shocking, disconcerting and unsettling."

“Devastated to hear about the cold-blooded murder of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam. The allegations of rape just make it all the more shocking, disconcerting & unsettling. One shudders at the thought if our children are really safe,” Mufti said in a post on X.

Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was “heartbroken and deeply disturbed” by the incident, calling it a tragedy that had "shaken the conscience of every human being."

“What are we becoming as a society if our children cannot even feel safe on their way to seeking education and guidance?” the Mirwaiz said, while demanding a transparent and time-bound investigation.

LG CONDEMNS KILLING, ASSURES PUNISHMENT

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the killing and said he had spoken to the Director General of Police and senior officials, directing them to ensure a thorough investigation.

“He assured that those responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished,” an official statement said.

Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Itoo visited the bereaved family and assured them of all possible assistance from the government.

Calling the incident “highly unfortunate and unacceptable in a civilised society”, Itoo demanded strict and exemplary punishment for those involved.

- Ends

With PTI inputs