Budgam rape and murder case: A 12-year-old girl from Galwanpora village in Budgam district of central Kashmir was found dead on Sunday morning, barely 200 metres from her home. She had gone missing on the evening of May 23. Her family approached police at around 10 pm after failing to find her, following which a kidnapping case was registered and a search was launched.
The victim’s maternal uncle described the scene as horrifying. He said the girl’s body was partially submerged in a nearby water body and that injuries were visible on her face. An elderly local resident said the girl had left home around 4 pm for her religious class and questioned how such a crime could happen despite many houses being nearby.
SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K confirmed the worst. “Unfortunately, the body of the child was found today morning,” he said. “Prima facie it seems to be a case of rape and murder. We have added the relevant sections of the law to the FIR.” Local suspects are currently being questioned.
The crime happened as Muslims in the Valley and the rest of the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha.
Grief on the streets
Women wept openly in the streets, beating their chests in grief, while men gathered in shock and fury, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible. Soon after the body was discovered, large numbers of residents gathered near the crime scene. Many demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and strict punishment under the law.
Residents said the incident shattered the conscience of Kashmir and raised fear over a deteriorating safety situation. “This is not just a crime, it is a tragedy that has shattered the conscience of Kashmir,” local residents were quoted as saying.
The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media. People across Kashmir expressed grief and demanded the harshest punishment for the culprits.
Mirwaiz calls for transparent probe
Senior Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq described the incident as “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.” In a post on X, he called for a transparent, thorough, and time-bound investigation. He said the circumstances surrounding the incident had shaken the conscience of society and raised serious questions about the safety of children.
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. The circumstances surrounding this incident are extremely painful and have shaken the conscience of every human being.
What are we becoming as…
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) May 24, 2026
“What are we becoming as a society if our children cannot even feel safe on their way to seek education and guidance?” the Mirwaiz asked. He demanded that those responsible be brought to justice and given the strictest punishment under law.
Political leaders speak out
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the murder “both shocking and deeply distressing.” He said it was fitting for society to reflect on where it was headed when young children were not safe, and condemned the attack without reservation. He assured that his government would support the agencies to the fullest extent possible.
The tragic murder of a young preteen girl in Budgam district of Central Kashmir is both shocking & deeply distressing. 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…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 24, 2026
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called the incident “shocking, disconcerting and unsettling.” She said she was devastated to hear about the cold-blooded murder and that the allegations of rape made it all the more alarming. “One shudders at the thought of our children really being safe,” she said.
Devastated to hear about the cold blooded murder of a 12 year old girl in Budgam. The allegations of rape just make it all the more shocking, disconcerting & unsettling. One shudders at the thought if our children are really safe.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 24, 2026
NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the circumstances surrounding the incident were “extremely concerning” and demanded a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation. He urged the J&K Police and the SIT to probe every possible angle professionally and transparently so that accountability is ensured at the earliest.
Missing girl found murdered in Galwanpora,Budgam;MLA Zadibal @tanvirsadiq calls the incident “very unfortunate”& said,”A thorough investigation must be carried out&those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice &given the strictest punishment under law.”@JKNC_ pic.twitter.com/7ufS4vxKiJ
— Voice Tv Urdu (@voicetvurdu1) May 24, 2026
Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Itoo visited the bereaved family in Budgam to express condolences and solidarity. She conveyed deep sorrow over the incident and assured the family that the government stood firmly with them during this painful time.
Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic and condemnable incident in Budgam. If such incidents continue to happen, how can we claim that our girls and women are safe in society? I visited the family today, their pain is distressing, and the entire neighbourhood remains in shock.…
— Sakina Itoo (@sakinaitoo) May 24, 2026
SIT formed, LG issues directives
A Special Investigation Team headed by DySP Headquarters Sajad Ahmad has been constituted to probe the incident. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held consultations with the Director General of Police and senior officials. He issued strict directives for a comprehensive, time-bound probe and promised that the perpetrators would face exemplary punishment.
Police have also cautioned the public. A senior police officer advised people not to share unverified information about the case on social media.