Jammu And Kashmir: Outrage After Missing 12-Year-Old Girl Raped And Murdered In Budgam; Body Found 200 Metres From Home In Galwanpora

A 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, triggering widespread public outrage and prompting the police to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to track down the perpetrators. The body of the minor, who had gone missing on Saturday evening, was recovered Sunday morning from a field located just 200 meters from her home in Galwanpora village.

According to family members and local residents, the child had left her house around 4:00 PM on Saturday to attend a religious class. When she failed to return, a search was initiated. Her body was discovered by locals at approximately 7:15 AM the following morning. Community elders noted that her copy of the Quran was found close to where her body lay, expressing profound shock at how the abduction occurred unnoticed in a densely populated residential area. Jammu and Kashmir Shocker: Man Held for Raping 19-Year-Old Daughter in Baramulla District.

Budgam Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hariprasad KK confirmed that preliminary medico-legal examinations strongly point to a case of rape and murder. "All medico-legal formalities were subsequently completed, and prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder," SSP Hariprasad said. He added that the newly formed SIT is evaluating all potential angles to reconstruct the timeline and ascertain the precise circumstances of the crime, promising a fair, transparent, and professional investigation.

The incident has sparked immense grief and anger across the region, drawing strong condemnation from political leaders. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the brutal killing as "shocking and deeply distressing," calling on citizens to examine the moral trajectory of 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," Chief Minister Abdullah stated. He assured the public that his administration would provide full administrative and investigative support to ensure the culprits receive exemplary punishment under the law. Jammu and Kashmir: Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping His Minor Daughter in Anantnag.

Following the incident, National Conference leaders, including Education Minister Sakeena Yatoo, visited the grieving family to offer condolences and assure them of swift administrative action. Meanwhile, police authorities have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified rumors or speculation on social media, emphasizing that such actions could compromise the ongoing investigation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 25, 2026 08:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).