A representative photo
By Tehelka Web Desk
A 12-year-old girl was found dead in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Saturday, with police saying the case appears to be one of rape and murder.
Addressing a press conference, SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K said Budgam Police Station received information about the girl going missing around 10 pm on May 23.
He said police registered an FIR under relevant sections related to the kidnapping of a minor and launched extensive searches during the night.
“This morning at around 7:15 AM, the girl’s body was recovered from a spot nearly 200 metres away from her home,” SSP Budgam said, adding that all medico-legal formalities were completed afterwards.
“At this stage, prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder, and all relevant sections of law have been added,” he said.
The SSP said the investigation was in its preliminary stage and searches were underway in and around the area where the body was recovered.
He said tracker dogs had been deployed within nearly a one-kilometre radius of the spot, while CCTV footage from nearby areas was also being examined.
“Local suspects are being questioned and evidence seizure and verification processes are going on continuously and simultaneously,” he added.
The officer appealed to the public not to circulate misinformation or unverified content regarding the incident.
“This case is the top priority of Budgam Police and all available manpower and investigative expertise are dedicated to solving it,” he said.
He also urged people and media organisations not to share the identity, photographs or personal details of the minor victim on social media or in news reports.
