Kishtwar rape-murder: Victim's father says no case without his consent
Synopsis
The father of the Kishtwar rape and murder victim has publicly appealed that no one file a legal case without his consent — even as a purported call with an advocate suggests attempts to pursue independent legal action. With the Crime Branch now in charge and the NCST issuing notices to top J&K officials, the case is entering a complex legal and institutional phase.
Key Takeaways
The father of the Kishtwar rape and murder victim appealed on 31 August that no case be filed without his explicit consent and thumb impression.
In a video circulating on social media, he said he learned someone had filed a case in Jammu without his knowledge — authenticity unverified by officials.
A purported call with Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat shows the father requesting no independent legal action be pursued on his behalf.
The J&K Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the rape and murder of the 15-year-old girl in Chatroo, Kishtwar on 20 August .
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has served notices to the J&K Chief Secretary , DGP , and SSP Kishtwar , returnable within five days from 25 August .
The father of the Kishtwar rape and murder victim said on Monday, 31 August that he was satisfied with the probe being transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch, and appealed that no individual should file or pursue any legal case in the matter without his explicit consent and thumb impression.
What the Father Said
In a video reportedly circulating on social media, the victim's father is heard stating that he had learnt of a case being filed in Jammu without his knowledge. 'Maine Suna Hai Ki Kisi Ne Jammu Mein Case File Kiya Hai. Mere Anguthe Ke Bagair Koi Case File Na Kare,' he is heard saying — meaning, 'I heard that someone in Jammu has filed a case. But nothing without my permission.'
He reiterated that the investigation had been handed over to the Crime Branch and that he was satisfied with the development. The authenticity of the video has neither been confirmed nor denied by officials so far.
Purported Call With Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat
A separate purported telephonic conversation, also circulating on social media, features the victim's father speaking with Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat, who has reportedly filed or is associated with a petition concerning the case. During the reported exchange, the father allegedly requested that no case be pursued on his behalf.
'My case has been handed over to the Crime Branch, and I am satisfied with that. Whatever you will do, you would be responsible for that,' he is heard saying in the conversation. The authenticity of this recording has also not been officially verified.
Background: The Crime That Shook Kishtwar
The 15-year-old girl was raped and murdered in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar on 20 August. The crime drew widespread condemnation across social, religious, and political lines, with demands for the most stringent punishment against the perpetrators. The case has since become a flashpoint for debates around justice delivery in the region.
NCST Steps In
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has decided to probe the case independently. The commission has served notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar, returnable within five days from 25 August.
With the Crime Branch now leading the investigation and the NCST exercising oversight, the case is being watched closely for how swiftly accountability is established.
Point of View
Another a conversation with an advocate — point to a contested legal space around the case that goes beyond the Crime Branch investigation. The NCST's intervention is significant but narrow; its notices carry persuasive rather than binding authority. The real accountability test lies with the Crime Branch: speed, transparency, and charge-sheet quality will determine whether institutional assurances translate into justice for the victim.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Kishtwar rape-murder victim's father say about the case?
The victim's father appealed on 31 August that no person should file or pursue any legal case in the matter without his consent and thumb impression. He said he was satisfied with the investigation being handed over to the J&K Crime Branch and did not want independent legal action taken on his behalf.
Who is Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat and what is her role in this case?
Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat has reportedly filed or is associated with a petition concerning the Kishtwar rape and murder case. A purported telephonic conversation between her and the victim's father, circulating on social media, suggests the father requested her not to pursue the case — though the authenticity of the recording has not been officially confirmed.
What is the NCST's role in the Kishtwar case?
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has decided to independently probe the case and has served notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the SSP Kishtwar, returnable within five days from 25 August. The NCST's intervention signals concern over the protection of tribal community members in the case.
When and where did the Kishtwar rape and murder take place?
The 15-year-old girl was raped and murdered in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar on 20 August. The crime triggered widespread outrage across social, religious, and political communities, with demands for stringent punishment against those responsible.
Has the authenticity of the circulating videos been confirmed?
No. As of 31 August, the authenticity of both the video showing the father's public appeal and the purported telephonic conversation with Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat has neither been confirmed nor denied by officials.
