Srinagar, May 24: Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after a minor girl was found dead in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Sunday. According to SSP Budgam, it is prima facie a case of rape and murder.

“On 23.05.2026 at about 2200 hours, information was received at Police Station Budgam regarding the disappearance of a minor girl, aged about 12 years, who had reportedly gone missing from her residence during the evening hours,” a police spokesman said.
He said acting promptly on the complaint, Police Station Budgam registered FIR No. 139/2026 under relevant provisions of law and immediately launched an extensive search operation.
During the early morning hours today, the dead body of the said minor girl was recovered a short distance from her residence.
Subsequently, all necessary medico-legal and investigative formalities were initiated, the police spokesman said.
SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K said girl’s body was recovered from a spot nearly 200 metres away from her home today.
“All medico-legal formalities were subsequently completed,” he said.
“At this stage, prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder, and all relevant sections of law have been added,” the SSP said.
He said that investigation is presently in its preliminary stage and police are carrying out extensive searches in and around the area where the body was found.
The SSP said tracker dogs have been deployed within nearly a one-kilometre radius of the recovery spot, while CCTV footage from nearby areas is also being examined.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the supervision of Sajad Ahmad-JKPS, DySP Headquarters Budgam.
“The investigation team is examining all possible angles to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and assures that the investigation shall be carried out in a fair, transparent, and professional manner,” the spokesman said.
Police have asked the public not to circulate unverified information or indulge in speculation regarding the matter, as such actions may hamper the investigation and cause unnecessary distress.
The incident has caused outrage across the Valley with all political parties, religious and civil society groups condemning the incident. They have demanded a thorough probe into the incident and stern punishment to the guilty.