Jammu, Aug 25 (IANS) The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on Tuesday issued notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, stating that it has decided to investigate the alleged sexual assault and murder of a Gujjar Scheduled Tribe child in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.
The NCST directed the three officials to reply within five days, warning that it may summon them for personal appearance if the report is delayed. The notice, dated August 25, 2026, was issued under File No. NCST/ATY‑4600/JK/3/2026‑RU‑IV and transmitted by email to all three authorities.
The Tribal Gujjar Bakarwal Welfare Foundation (TGBWF), which had filed the complaint through Member Trustee Kabir Ahmed, welcomed the Commission’s intervention. It said the case involved the alleged sexual assault and death of a minor Gujjar child in Chatroo and the reported non‑invocation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The Commission recorded that it has decided to investigate the matter under Article 338A of the Constitution.
The Chief Secretary, DGP and SSP Kishtwar have been asked to submit facts, information and details of action taken within five days.
The NCST cautioned that if it does not receive replies, it may exercise civil court powers under Article 338A and summon the officials.
The Foundation described the development as an important step towards accountability and justice for the deceased child and her family.
“The prompt action taken by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has strengthened the family’s hope that the case will receive the attention and accountability it deserves,” it said.
The complaint concerns FIR No. 34/2026 registered at Police Station Chatroo against accused Khalid Hussain and Tariq Hussain. It raises allegations of repeated sexual assault, pregnancy, attempted termination and consequent death of the minor.
It also seeks investigation into threats, monetary inducement, attempts to suppress the matter, possible non‑reporting by persons with prior knowledge, and the role of those who may have facilitated or concealed the offence.
A key grievance raised is that despite the victim belonging to the Gujjar Scheduled Tribe, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have not been invoked. The complaint seeks verification of the victim’s tribal status and the accused’s social status, examination of the Act’s applicability, protection of family and witnesses, preservation of digital and medical evidence, and payment of compensation, relief, and rehabilitation benefits.
The Foundation said the NCST’s notice marks the commencement of a constitutional inquiry and should be followed by a factual, time‑bound response from the J&K administration and police. It expressed hope that authorities would cooperate, protect the family, preserve evidence and ensure a fair investigation.
“Our objective is not to cause any interference with the investigation. Our sole concern is that no statutory safeguard should remain unenforced, no responsible person should escape scrutiny, and justice should be delivered to the child and her family,” the Foundation stated.
–IANS
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