Deeply distressing: J-K CM on Budgam minor rape case

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, calling it a "shocking and deeply distressing" incident.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday condemned the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam district, describing it as ''shocking and deeply distressing''.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Abdullah condemned the heinous act and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.

''May she find a place in Jannat,'' the Chief Minister said while expressing solidarity with the grieving family.

He said the incident should serve as a moment of serious introspection for society at large.

''While the appropriate agencies enquire into the circumstances of her murder, it's also fitting that we reflect on where we as a society are headed when our young children are not safe,'' he said.

''I condemn this brutal attack without reservation or condition and send my sympathies to her family,'' he added.

The chief minister assured that all necessary support would be extended to the investigating agencies to ensure that those found guilty are given exemplary punishment in accordance with the law.

A minor girl, who had gone missing since Saturday, was found dead in a field in Galwanpora village of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Sunday morning. The recovery of her body triggered shock and grief across the area.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident. Legal proceedings have been initiated and further investigation is underway.