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Mehbooba demands crime branch takeover of Kishtwar rape-death case

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called on the Lieutenant Governor to hand over the investigation of a rape and death case in Kishtwar to the crime branch, citing concerns over the handling of the matter.

LSN India · 29 August 2026

Mehbooba demands crime branch takeover of Kishtwar rape-death case

Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has written to the Lieutenant Governor requesting that the investigation into a rape and death case registered in Kishtwar be transferred to the crime branch. The demand comes amid growing concerns about the progress and conduct of the inquiry by local authorities.

The case, which has drawn significant public attention in the region, involves serious criminal charges. Mufti's intervention suggests dissatisfaction with the current investigative approach and a belief that a specialized crime branch investigation would be more appropriate and thorough.

In her appeal to the Lieutenant Governor, Mufti emphasized the need for a credible and competent investigation to ensure justice for the victim and her family. The transfer to the crime branch would bring in specialized personnel trained to handle sensitive cases of this nature.

The case remains under investigation, and the Lieutenant Governor's office is expected to consider Mufti's request. The demand reflects broader concerns about investigative standards in the Union Territory and the importance of public confidence in the criminal justice system.