Ramban, Aug 29: A feminine well being employee has been arrested in reference to the loss of life of a minor lady from Chatroo in Kishtwar district, taking the entire variety of accused arrested within the case to 6, officers mentioned.
The accused, recognized as Sonika Parihar, a Feminine Multipurpose Well being Employee (FMPHW) posted at District Hospital Kishtwar, was arrested through the ongoing investigation into FIR No. 34/2026 registered at Police Station Chatroo.
The case has been registered below related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Safety of Kids from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The minor’s loss of life below suspicious circumstances earlier this month sparked widespread outrage throughout Kishtwar and elements of the Chenab Valley. Protests, shutdowns and sit-ins had been held in Chatroo, Kishtwar and elements of Doda and Ramban, with folks demanding a clear probe and strict motion in opposition to these accountable.
In view of the sensitivity of the case, SSP Kishtwar constituted a Particular Investigation Crew (SIT) to conduct an in depth investigation.
Officers mentioned the probe has up to now dropped at mild materials associated to the alleged sexual exploitation of the minor, her being pregnant, alleged makes an attempt to terminate the being pregnant and the involvement of a number of people, together with individuals allegedly linked to her medical therapy.
Police had earlier arrested 5 individuals within the case, together with a authorities college trainer and his brother. The trainer was subsequently suspended by the Training Division following his arrest.
With Parihar’s arrest, the variety of accused arrested within the case has risen to 6.
In keeping with police, the position of the well being employee emerged through the course of the investigation, following which she was arrested in accordance with the regulation.
The SIT is continuous its probe utilizing scientific and evidence-based strategies to ascertain the sequence of occasions resulting in the minor’s loss of life and confirm the person roles of all individuals allegedly linked with the case.
Police mentioned additional arrests could be made if warranted by the proof and that strict authorized motion could be taken in opposition to anybody discovered concerned.
The newest improvement comes amid continued calls for from residents, civil society teams and political representatives for a good and time-bound investigation.
District Police Kishtwar reiterated that the investigation could be performed impartially and totally, and that no particular person discovered concerned could be spared.
