Budgam, May 25: Budgam Police on Monday said they have solved the rape and murder case of a 12-year-old girl from Galwanpora village in central Kashmir within 48 hours of her disappearance, arresting a local resident identified as Mudassir Ahmad Mir.
Police said the accused, who belongs to the same village, confessed to his involvement during questioning. Investigators also recovered additional material evidence linked to the crime based on his disclosure.
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Speaking to media, SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K said the investigation relied on multiple forms of evidence, including material, digital and biological findings, which ultimately led police to the accused.
“Within 36 hours of recovering the body and within 48 hours of the child going missing, we solved the case and arrested the accused,” the SSP said.
He added that several suspects from the locality were questioned during the probe, but the conduct and examination of one suspect raised suspicion, while the available evidence strongly corroborated his involvement in the crime.
A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by DSP Headquarters Budgam and comprising SHO Budgam along with three Sub-Inspectors, was constituted to investigate the case.
The incident had sent shockwaves across Kashmir after the 12-year-old girl reportedly left her home on Saturday evening to attend a Darsgah and failed to return. Her family and local residents searched for her through the night before police registered a kidnapping case and launched extensive searches.
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The following morning, her body was recovered from an area barely 200 metres from her residence, triggering grief, outrage and fear across the Valley.
The incident drew strong reactions from political, religious and civil society leaders.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a top-level probe into the case. Officials said the LG spoke with the Director General of Police and other senior officers, directing them to ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as “shocking and deeply distressing,” saying society must introspect on where it is heading when young children are no longer safe.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti termed the incident “shocking, disconcerting and unsettling.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was “heartbroken and deeply disturbed,” questioning what society was becoming if children could no longer feel safe while going out to seek education and guidance.
SSP Budgam said the investigation is still underway and police are now focused on scientifically strengthening the case to ensure the accused receives the strictest punishment under law.
Appealing for restraint, he urged people not to circulate photographs, videos or personal details of the minor victim online. Police said a separate FIR has already been registered against individuals allegedly sharing the identity and credentials of the underage victim on social media.
“We understand the pain and anger of the people. But justice is taking its course, and police are standing shoulder to shoulder with the family and the public,” the SSP said.
