Minor Girl Allegedly Raped, Murdered After Going Missing In J&K's Budgam, Police Launch Probe
Minor Girl Allegedly Raped, Murdered After Going Missing In J&K's Budgam, Police Launch Probe Reported By, Last Updated: May 24, 2026, 22:44 IST The killing
Minor Girl Allegedly Raped, Murdered After Going Missing In J&K's Budgam, Police Launch Probe Reported By, Last Updated: May 24, 2026, 22:44 IST The killing has sparked widespread outrage, with political leaders demanding strict action against the culprits. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by the police to probe the case. (Representational Image) A 12-year-old girl who had gone missing from central Kashmir’s Budgam district was found raped and murdered in a nearby field on Sunday, triggering shock and outrage across the Kashmir Valley. Police have launched an investigation into the heinous crime. According to officials, the girl, a resident of Galwanpora village in Budgam, went missing on Saturday evening. Family members and residents immediately launched a search after she failed to return home after leaving to attend religious class. The search continued through the night, and her body was recovered from a nearby field on Sunday morning. “In the morning, her body was found around 200 meters away from her house. We have completed the medico-legal formalities. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder," said SSP Budgam, Hariprasad K K.
The discovery of the body sent waves of grief and anger through the area, with residents gathering at the scene and demanding swift action against the perpetrators. “When I saw the girl, she had been brutally murdered. Her body was partially submerged in a nearby water body, and she had injuries on her face," her maternal uncle said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by the police to probe the case. The team is examining all possible angles to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have assured that the investigation will be conducted in a fair, transparent, and professional manner. CM assures necessary support Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly condemned the brutal murder of a young preteen girl in Budgam district while describing the incident as shocking and deeply distressing. In a solidarity message on X, Abdullah said the incident should serve as a moment of serious introspection for society at large. “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," he wrote.
The tragic murder of a young preteen girl in Budgam district of Central Kashmir is both shocking & deeply distressing. 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…— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 24, 2026 Abdullah also assured that all necessary support would be extended to the investigating agencies to ensure that those found guilty are given exemplary punishment in accordance with the law. Locals have described the incident as horrific and deeply disturbing. The killing has sparked widespread outrage, with political leaders demanding strict action against the culprits. Earlier in the day Conference leaders, including Education Minister Sakeena Yatoo, visited the bereaved family and assured them of prompt justice. “She left home around 4 PM for her religious class. We fail to understand how she went missing despite so many houses in the surrounding area," said a local elderly resident. “The killer should be caught immediately. We just want justice for the girl," he said adding that the girl was carrying a Quran with her, which was later found nearby too.
Police have requested not to circulate unverified information or indulge in speculation regarding the matter, as such actions may hamper the investigation and cause unnecessary distress. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Srinagar, India, India First Published: May 24, 2026, 22:44 IST News india Minor Girl Allegedly Raped, Murdered After Going Missing In J&K's Budgam, Police Launch Probe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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