Budgam minor rape-murder case cracked in 36 hours, accused arrested

Srinagar, May 25: In a swift breakthrough, Police in Budgam solved the heinous kidnapping, rape and murder of a minor girl from Galwanpora village, arresting the main accused just 36 hours after the crime sent shockwaves across Kashmir.

The brutal incident, which plunged the village into mourning and triggered widespread condemnation across Kashmir, saw its first major development on Monday as the police announced the arrest of the perpetrator.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Hari Prasad K K said that the investigation into the case was underway.

“We cracked the case within 36 hours and arrested the accused. The accused is Mudasir Ahmad from the same Galwanpora village,” the SSP said.

He said that only Mudasir Ahmad had committed the heinous crime.

“We are investigating whether somebody might be involved in destroying of evidence,” the SSP said, adding that in case there was any such act, they too would not be spared.

“The accused was confronted with evidence and he confessed to the crime. Our in-depth investigations are continuing,” he said. “We have strong evidence. We will make sure he will get highest punishment. We delivered our promise and we understand your (Galwanpora) pain. We appeal for cooperation,” he said adding the people must express grief in ways that won’t have bearing on law and order.”

Meanwhile, Police has been deployed in entire Galwapora after people tried to attack the house of accused.

“Precautionary measures have been taken and we appeal for cooperation,” a senior Police officer said adding that they were making the case very strong so that exemplary punishment is given to the accused.

Reliable sources in Police said that the accused is auto driver by profession and was arrested on the basis of strong biological evidence.

“The accused is the neighbour of victim,” sources said. “He has taken minor (her) to a house about 200 from his home and committed the crime in a house.”

Sources said, later, he threw her body near the victims house in early hours of Sunday. “Samples have been collected from the house and adjoining area,” they said.

Sources said that the minor had resisted that resulted in superficial marks on the body of the accused.

The minor girl was abducted on Saturday (May 23) evening while she was returning from her local Darsgah.

Her worried family reported her missing to Police Station Budgam around 10 pm, leading to the registration of FIR No 139/2026.

An extensive search operation was launched immediately.

Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when the girl’s body was recovered at around 7:15 am from a spot merely 200 metres away from her home.

Police later confirmed it as a case of kidnapping, rape, and murder, with all relevant sections of law invoked.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under DySPSajad Ahmad, and four suspects were initially detained for questioning.

The discovery of the minor’s body had triggered heart-wrenching scenes of grief in Galwanpora.

“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 village came to a standstill as shops shut down and daily activities halted amid collective shock and sorrow.

Advanced investigative techniques, including biological evidence, tracker dogs, and examination of CCTV footage, played a crucial role in cracking the case rapidly.

The SSP assured that the investigation is still ongoing and all aspects are being thoroughly examined.

“This case was the top priority of Budgam Police. All available manpower and expertise were dedicated to solving it at the earliest,” he said.

The arrest has brought some sense of relief to the grieving family and the people, though the pain of losing their minor remains immeasurable.

Police once again appealed to the media and public not to disclose the identity or photographs of the minor victim, in line with legal provisions.

They also urged restraint from spreading unverified information that could affect the ongoing investigation.

The swift arrest in this horrific case of child rape and murder has been welcomed by locals, even as they demand the harshest punishment for the accused and long-term measures to ensure such tragedies are not repeated in the Valley.