Budgam Shocked as Local Youth Arrested for Brutal Murder of 12-Year-Old

Shock and grief have gripped the Budgam district of Central Kashmir following the horrific discovery of a 12-year-old girl’s body. The young girl, who was the daughter of a Jammu and Kashmir Police Assistant Sub Inspector, went missing on Saturday, May 23, 2026. After an agonizing search, her body was found just hundreds of meters from her home on Sunday.

The scene of the crime was particularly heart-wrenching, as investigators found the victim's shoes and a copy of the Quran lying nearby. The J&K Police moved quickly to address the public outcry, forming a Special Investigation Team to handle the case. By Monday, May 25, authorities arrested a local youth from the Galwanpora area. Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam, K.K. Hari Prasad, confirmed that after questioning several suspects, the local man admitted his involvement in the crime.

The incident has triggered a massive wave of condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups across the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as deeply distressing, stating he condemns the brutal act without reservation. Other leaders, including Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah and PDP leader Iltija Mufti, have visited the family or issued statements demanding the strictest possible punishment.

Concerns have also been raised about the calculated nature of the crime. Iltija Mufti pointed out that CCTV cameras near where the body was discovered had been deliberately smashed. While forensic teams continue their investigation to determine the exact motive, the community remains in a state of mourning, calling for swift justice to ensure the safety of children in the region.

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