Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 25

Grief and anger swept through Budgam on Monday as relatives and neighbours of the minor girl who was raped and murdered in Galwanpora demanded swift justice, a day after her body was found near her home.

Mourners continued to gather at the family’s residence, where relatives described scenes of devastation following the killing of the child, whose death has shocked Kashmir and triggered widespread outrage.

Family members said the girl’s mother had repeatedly lost consciousness since the body was recovered on Sunday, while her father remained unable to speak, overwhelmed by grief over the death of his only daughter.

Speaking to local media, the child’s grandfather questioned how such violence could be inflicted on her.

“She had gone for Quran lessons. What had she done to deserve this? Why was she not even allowed to reach her seminary?” he said, breaking down.

He described the child as deeply religious and said she regularly offered prayers, including waking up before dawn for the Fajr prayer.

“She was so young and devoted. We were all searching for her through the night. I could not gather the courage to look at her body,” he said.

The victim’s uncle said the family spent the entire night searching for her after she did not return home at her usual time on Saturday evening.

“We looked for her everywhere. In the morning, we found her body,” he told local reporters, adding that visible injuries suggested she had been violently assaulted and had tried to resist.

Residents visiting the family said the child had often spoken of wanting to become a hafiza, someone who memorises the Quran by heart.

“That dream ended with her,” said a young mourner from the neighbourhood. “The entire village is grieving with the family.”

Police on Monday said they had arrested one suspect in connection with the case and that the accused had confessed during questioning. Officials said the investigation remained underway and that all aspects of the case were being examined.

Senior Superintendent of Police Hari Prasad K.K. said investigators were focused on collecting evidence and strengthening the case to ensure prosecution.

“We are working with all available resources to make the case as strong as possible so that the guilty are punished,” he said.

The killing has sparked widespread calls across Kashmir for the harshest punishment for those responsible, while residents in Galwanpora have demanded a thorough investigation and long-term measures to prevent such crimes from recurring.