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BOOK ACCUSED UNDER SC/ST ACT, COMPENSATE CHATROO TRIBAL CHILD’S FAMILY: TGBWF URGES NCST

Foundation Seeks Action Taken Report from J&K Chief Secretary and DGP; Urges Commission to Monitor Investigation

Jammu | 24 August 2026

The Tribal Gujjar Bakkerwal Welfare Foundation (TGBWF) has approached the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes demanding action against the accused under SC/ST Act, payment of compensation to the family and monitoring of the investigation into FIR No. 34/2026, registered at Police Station Chatroo, District Kishtwar, over the alleged repeated sexual assault, pregnancy and consequent death of a minor Gujjar Scheduled Tribe girl.

In a detailed complaint filed through its member trustee Kabir Ahmed, TGBWF has urged the Commission to take cognisance of the matter as an urgent atrocity-related complaint and monitor the investigation through periodic progress reports until it reaches its lawful conclusion.

The Foundation has asked the Commission to obtain a comprehensive Action Taken Report from the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other authorities, explaining the non-invocation of the SC/ST Act and measures taken for investigation, family protection, compensation and rehabilitation.

The complaint stated that the deceased child, reportedly a Class V student, was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assault by Khalid Hussain, stated to be her teacher and Headmaster at a government school. The FIR names Khalid Hussain and his brother, Tariq Hussain, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. However, despite the child’s notified Scheduled Tribe status, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has not been invoked.

TGBWF said that although the deceased belonged to the notified Gujjar Scheduled Tribe and the accused persons are reportedly not members of any Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, the special law enacted to prevent atrocities against tribal communities does not presently figure in the FIR.

The Foundation has requested the NCST to direct police authorities to immediately invoke the SC/ST Act against the accused. It emphasised that the principal accused was allegedly the child’s own teacher, occupied a position of authority and confidence over her, and was personally acquainted with her and her family.

The complaint also raises serious concerns over reports that, after the pregnancy became known, threats, monetary inducement and a community-level Panchayat were allegedly used to suppress or settle the matter. TGBWF has sought an independent investigation into every participant and the reported role of medical practitioners or other intermediaries connected with the pregnancy-termination episode.

The Foundation has demanded immediate preservation of circulating videos, electronic communications, call records, financial transactions, school records, medical and diagnostic records, prescriptions, pharmacy records and medicines. It has also sought examination of whether any school official, medical practitioner, Panchayat participant or other person possessing prior knowledge failed to report the alleged offences, as required by the mandatory reporting duties under POCSO Act.

Highlighting the family’s economic, social and migratory vulnerability, the Foundation has sought an immediate threat assessment and effective protection for the parents, siblings and material witnesses, including safe accommodation, secure transportation, confidentiality and safeguards against intimidation, coercion, inducement or retaliation.

TGBWF has requested the Commission to direct immediate payment of statutory compensation and rehabilitation benefits to the family under the Prevention of Atrocities Act and every additional amount admissible for the alleged sexual atrocity under any other law.

TGBWF reiterated that the allegations must be investigated impartially and proved in accordance with law. It appealed to the authorities, media organisations and public to protect the deceased child’s identity, dignity and family from sensationalism, pressure or retaliation during the entire legal process.

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