Police in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation of a sexual assault case involving a mentally challenged minor girl, resulting in the identification and arrest of three accused persons through sustained forensic and investigative efforts.
A case was registered in January 2025 at Kunzer Police Station under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and BNS after a 16-year-old girl was found to be 25 weeks pregnant during a medical examination at Sub District Hospital Magam.
Police said the investigation, led by then-Station House Officer Kunzer Sheikh Adil, revealed the minor had been repeatedly assaulted by multiple perpetrators.
Initial enquiries led to the arrest of Mohammad Rafiq Bhat, a resident of Dhobiwan, and Mohammad Nasarullah Khan, a resident of Hayhama Lolab, Kupwara who were arrested for rape, aggravated sexual assault, and kidnapping under POCSO provisions, though DNA analysis excluded both of them as the father, police said.
Through persistent efforts, investigators focused on Jawad Alam, a resident of Champaran as a prime suspect.
“Forensic matching confirmed his DNA matched the foetus, establishing him as the biological father and confirming his role in the sexual assault leading to the pregnancy,” police said.
Investigations confirmed all three accused independently assaulted the victim on multiple occasions, with Alam responsible for the conception.
