Minor dies in Kishtwar after ‘forced pregnancy termination’; teacher held

A 14-year-old girl died after suffering medical complications allegedly caused by medication administered to terminate her pregnancy by a schoolteacher accused of raping and impregnating her in Kishtwar district of Jammu division. She was seven months pregnant.

The incident sparked widespread protests in Chatroo tehsil, with residents demanding stringent action against the accused. The Chief Education Officer of Kishtwar has placed the accused teacher, Khalid Hussain Sheikh, under suspension, while police have arrested him and his brother in connection with the case.

The case came to light on Thursday after police were informed that the body of the minor, who died under suspicious circumstances, had been brought to a local hospital. The victim, a member of the Gujjar community from the Gorinall area of Chatroo, was being taken from Kishtwar to Jammu for specialised treatment when she died en route.

Police took custody of the girl’s body and that of the stillborn baby for post mortem examination. A board of doctors was constituted to conduct the autopsy and collect DNA samples and other forensic evidence.

Sources said the victim had resumed her studies after a gap of several years and was enrolled in Class V at Government Middle School, Gorinall, at the time of the incident.

A police official said DNA samples and viscera of both the deceased and the stillborn were collected by the medical board before the bodies were handed over to the family for burial.

Investigators recorded statements of the victim’s father and other family members to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

During the inquiry, it emerged that the deceased was a student at Government Middle School, Gorinall, where Khalid Hussain was posted as headmaster. “He allegedly sexually assaulted the minor and repeatedly raped her,” the official said.

Police said the accused allegedly attempted to settle the matter after the girl became pregnant by threatening the family and offering money.

Investigators further alleged that Tariq Hussain, the accused headmaster’s brother, forcibly administered medication intended to terminate the pregnancy, leading to a deterioration in the victim’s condition. Tariq Hussain has also been arrested.

A police official said a case has been registered under Sections 61(2), 65(1), 90, 91 and 92 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), besides Sections 4, 6, 8, 10 and 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Police are also relying on forensic and DNA evidence as part of the investigation.

It remains unclear whether the victim’s family was initially aware of her pregnancy or whether it remained concealed due to social stigma.