A 12-year-old girl, who was reported missing in Budgam district, was found murdered around 200 metres from her house on Sunday, police said.
A senior police officer said the girl was reported missing on Saturday evening from Galwanpora area of the district. “A case of kidnapping a minor child was registered and searches were carried out. Unfortunately, the body of the child was found today morning,” Budgam SSP Hariprasad KK said.
He said the body was sent for post-mortem examination. “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.
He advised the public not to share any unverified information regarding the case on social media. “We will crack the case as soon as possible. The investigation is in preliminary stage. Trained dogs of police have also been deployed to search the area,” the SSP said.
Meanwhile, chief preacher of Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was “heartbroken and deeply disturbed” by the incident. “The circumstances surrounding this incident are extremely painful and have shaken the conscience of every human being,” he said.
The Mirwaiz said such incidents spread fear, grief, and deep anxiety among people and demand serious introspection at every level.
NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq in a post on X stated, “Deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of immense grief and pain. The circumstances surrounding the incident are extremely concerning and demand a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation. I urge the J&K Police and the SIT constituted in the matter to probe every possible angle professionally and transparently so that the truth is established at the earliest and accountability is ensured”.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed deep shock and anguish over the murder, terming the incident heartbreaking and a grim reminder of the growing vulnerability of children and women in society.
Taking to X, Mehbooba Mufti stated, “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 and unsettling. One shudders at the thought if our children are really safe.”
