School Girl Dies on Way to Doda, Kishtwar Teacher Held Under POCSO Provisions, Suspended
Kishtwar, Aug 21, KNT: A school teacher has been arrested and subsequently placed under suspension after a 14-year-old girl student died while being taken from Kishtwar towards Doda for medical treatment, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding the minor’s reported pregnancy and death.
The girl was reportedly being taken towards Doda for an abortion when her condition deteriorated during the journey. She died before reaching the hospital, according to sources.
The teacher, identified as Khalid Hussain Sheikh, Teacher Grade-II at Middle School Bumalpora, Zone Inderwal, is presently in police custody in connection with the case.
The development has now been followed by departmental action, with the Chief Education Officer Kishtwar placing Sheikh under suspension pending an inquiry into the matter.
According to the suspension order issued on August 21, Sheikh is facing FIR No. 34/2026 registered at Police Station Chatroo under Sections 61(2), 65(1), 90, 91 and 92 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Sections 4, 6, 8, 10 and 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The order states that the suspension has been imposed under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, while the teacher remains in police custody.
The case has caused shock in Kishtwar, with people demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the minor’s death and strict legal action if the allegations against the accused are established.
The incident has also brought renewed attention to the safety of minor students and the responsibility of educational institutions and their staff towards children under their care.
The allegations against the teacher are subject to investigation and judicial determination. [KNT]
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