Budgam, May 25: A minor girl from Galwanpora village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district was found dead on Sunday morning, hours after she was reported missing, in a case that has sparked outrage and grief across the Valley.
According to police, the girl had gone missing on Saturday evening while she was on her way to a local Darsgah. Her family later approached Police Station Budgam after she failed to return home.
Following the complaint, police registered FIR No. 139/2026 under relevant sections related to the kidnapping of a minor and launched a massive overnight search operation.
The girl’s body was recovered at around 7:15 am on Sunday from a location nearly 200 metres away from her home.
Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam, Hariprasad K K, said that prima facie the case appeared to involve rape and murder.
“At this stage, prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder and all relevant sections of law have been added,” the SSP said.
Police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the supervision of DySP Headquarters Sajad Ahmad to investigate the case.
Officials confirmed that four suspects have been detained for questioning while investigators continue to examine CCTV footage and collect forensic evidence from the area.
Tracker dogs have also been deployed within a one-kilometre radius of the recovery spot as part of the investigation.
The incident triggered protests in the area, with hundreds of residents demanding swift justice and strict punishment for those responsible.
Shops remained closed in parts of Budgam as residents expressed shock and grief over the killing of the minor girl.
Police appealed to the public and media not to disclose the identity of the victim or circulate unverified information that could hamper the investigation.
