Kishtwar Minor Death Case: Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh High Court Examines Viral Video After Petitioner Disowns Plea, Seeks Govt Report

Kishtwar Minor Death Case: Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh High Court Examines Viral Video After Petitioner Disowns Plea, Seeks Govt Report

JAMMU, Aug 31: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday witnessed significant developments during the hearing of a writ petition concerning the alleged rape, pregnancy, attempted termination of pregnancy and subsequent death of a minor girl in Kishtwar.

The matter was heard by Justice Rahul Bharti.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mohd Shafi Bhumal, submitted that she wished to withdraw the petition, stating that the petitioner had made a video, which subsequently went viral on social media, expressing that he did not wish to pursue the case any further and was satisfied with the government order transferring the investigation to the Crime Branch.

Following the submission, the viral video was played and viewed by the Bench in open Court.

The counsel appearing for the Government produced a Government Order indicating that the investigation into the matter had been transferred to the Crime Branch, J&K. However, the Court raised an objection, observing that the order did not disclose the details of the Investigating Officer who would conduct the investigation.

The petition concerns allegations relating to the rape, pregnancy, attempted termination of pregnancy and subsequent death of a minor girl in Kishtwar, with the plea seeking a fair, impartial and independent investigation.

The matter is listed for further hearing on September 11, 2026.

5