A horrific and despicable incident has been reported from Budgam which has shook the conscience of the people of the valley. The unfortunate incident is damning and should be condemned by all.
In a heinous case of kidnapping, rape, and murder that has shaken entire Kashmir, the body of a minor girl from Galwanpora village in Budgam district of central Kashmir was recovered on Sunday morning, just hours after she was abducted while returning from her local Darsgah.
The Police has detained four persons for sustained questioning and arrests are on cards as investigations have been intensified.
The tragic incident has left the whole area devastated and plunged into profound mourning, with residents expressing outrage over the brutal crime against an innocent child.
According to Police, the minor girl went missing on Saturday evening, (May 23) after she was on way to Darasgah.
Police immediately registered FIR No 139/2026 under relevant sections pertaining to the kidnapping of a minor and launched an extensive search operation throughout the night.
Darasgah teacher said she did not reach Darasgah, however, her brother had come.
Hundreds of men and women held protests against the heinous crime and demanded stern action against the culprits.
They dispersed after the administration assured them swift action.
As dawn broke on Sunday, the worst fears of the family and community were confirmed. The girl’s body was recovered at around 7:15 am from a spot nearly 200 metres away from her home.
The discovery triggered heart-wrenching scenes of grief.
The people of the area literally collapsed, letting out agonised wails that echoed through the narrow streets of the village.
The people gathered in despair, openly weeping and consoling one another, while neighbours rushed to the spot, their faces filled with horror, anger, and disbelief at the cold-blooded abduction, rape, and murder of a young child.
Women in the locality beat their chests and cried out in traditional Kashmiri mourning, lamenting the loss of a bright young life so cruelly snatched away.
Men stood with bowed heads and clenched fists, some voicing their fury against the perpetrators.
“She was just a child… innocent, pious, and full of life. They kidnapped her like an animal, violated her, and killed her. What kind of monsters walk among us,” the grieving people said.
The entire neighbourhood came to a standstill, with shops pulling down shutters and daily activities halted as residents expressed collective shock, sorrow, and fear.
Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam, Hariprasad K K told Greater Kashmir that this was prima facie a case of rape and murder. “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 Police are deploying all resources to crack the case at the earliest.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the supervision of DySP Headquarters Sajad Ahmad.
“Four suspects have been detained, and sustained interrogation is underway. Tracker dogs have been deployed within a nearly 1-km radius of the recovery spot, while CCTV footage from nearby areas is being thoroughly examined,” the SSP said. “Local suspects are being questioned, and evidence seizure and verification processes are continuing simultaneously.”
He said that the investigation was presently in its preliminary stage, but this case was the priority of Police.
“All available manpower and investigative expertise are dedicated to solving it,” SSP Hariprasad said.
The brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder have sparked widespread panic and outrage across Budgam and erstwhile in Kashmir. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of grief, heartfelt prayers for the departed soul, and strong demands for the harshest possible punishment for the culprits.
Police have strongly appealed to the media and the public not to disclose the identity or circulate photographs of the minor victim, in line with legal provisions protecting the child’s dignity.
They have also urged people to refrain from spreading unverified information, misinformation, or baseless speculation that could hamper the investigation.
Omar Abdullah shocked over Budgam incident
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday (May 24, 2026) condemned the alleged rape and murder of the girl in Budgam district, describing it as “shocking and deeply distressing”.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Mr. Abdullah condemned the heinous act and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
He said the incident should serve as a moment of serious introspection for society at large.
“While the appropriate agencies enquire into the circumstances of her murder, it’s also fitting that we reflect on where we as a society are headed when our young children are not safe,” he said.
“I condemn this brutal attack without reservation or condition and send my sympathies to her family,” he added.
