Srinagar, May 24 (IANS) A minor girl was found murdered after reportedly being raped in J&K’s Budgam district on Sunday, police said.

The 12-year-old girl had gone missing on Saturday and police found her body a short distance away from her home in the Galwanpora area of Budgam.

“The body was found barely 200 metres away from her home. She had reportedly gone missing on Saturday,” a police official said.

Police added that the girl was reported missing on Saturday evening.

“A case of kidnapping a minor child was registered, and searches were carried out. Unfortunately, the body of the child was found this morning. The body was sent for post-mortem examination. Prima facie, it seems to be a case of rape and murder. We have added the relevant sections of the law to the FIR,” Budgam SSP Hariprasad K.K. told reporters.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the Valley as the most heinous crime was committed when the Kashmir Valley is preparing to celebrate the holiest Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Azha or the Bakr Eid that marks the culmination of the holy Hajj pilgrimage.

Senior religious leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. expressed shock and deep anguish at the incident.

“Heartbroken and deeply disturbed by the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam, who went missing while on her way to the Darsgah,” he posted on X.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are extremely painful and have shaken the conscience of every human being. What are we becoming as a society if our children cannot even feel safe on their way to seek education and guidance? Such incidents spread fear, grief and deep anxiety among people and demand serious introspection at every level,” the Mirwaiz said.

“A thorough, transparent and time-bound investigation must be carried out, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice and given the strictest punishment under law,” he demanded.

“May Allah grant the innocent child the highest place in Jannah and give patience and strength to her grieving family.”

–IANS

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