Budgam: 12-Year-Old Girl Raped, Murdered; Accused Arrested Amid Outcry

A horrifying incident unfolded in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, where a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped, allegedly raped, and subsequently murdered, triggering widespread shock and anger across the Union Territory. The victim, a minor, went missing on the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2026, after leaving her home in Galwanpora village to attend a religious class (Darsgah). Her family reported her disappearance to the Budgam Police Station around 10 PM, prompting an immediate launch of a search operation and the registration of an FIR under relevant sections pertaining to kidnapping. Tragically, her body was discovered early on Sunday morning, May 24, 2026, in a field located approximately 200 metres from her residence. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam, Hariprasad K K, addressed the media, stating that prima facie, the case appeared to be one of rape and murder, leading to the addition of relevant sections of law to the FIR. All necessary medico-legal and investigative formalities were initiated swiftly. The heinous nature of the crime ignited massive outrage across Jammu and Kashmir. Residents, political parties, and religious leaders vehemently condemned the act, demanding swift justice and severe punishment for those responsible. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his deep distress, stating that the tragic murder was shocking and unsettling, and called for introspection on societal values when children are unsafe. Similarly, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti voiced her devastation, emphasizing the disturbing implications of such allegations. Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed his heartbreak and disturbed conscience over the incident. In response to the gravity of the crime and public pressure, the police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of DySP Headquarters Budgam, Sajad Ahmad, to ensure a fair, transparent, and professional investigation. Within a remarkable 36 hours, police achieved a significant breakthrough, arresting one of the accused, identified as Mudasir Ahmad Mir, a 30-year-old local auto driver and neighbour of the victim. Police sources indicated that the arrest was based on strong biological and material evidence, and the accused reportedly admitted his involvement when confronted with the evidence. Further material evidence was recovered based on his disclosure. Police sources also revealed that the accused allegedly took the minor to a house about 200 meters from his home to commit the crime and later threw her body near the victim's house. The minor had reportedly resisted, resulting in superficial marks on the accused's body. Authorities appealed to the media and the general public to refrain from circulating misinformation or unverified content and, crucially, to respect legal prohibitions by not disclosing the identity or photographs of the minor victim. The police assured that all available manpower and investigative expertise were dedicated to solving the case and ensuring that the perpetrator received exemplary punishment. The incident highlights persistent concerns about safety for women and children in society and underscores the urgent need for justice and societal reflection.

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