Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) visited the family of the 12-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped and murdered in central Kashmir’s Budgam.

Meanwhile, the authorities allegedly denied permission to Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from visiting the victim’s family.  

Mr. Abdullah, who met the family members at Budgam’s Galwanpora village, said, “The government stands firmly with them in their pursuit of justice. The incident has shaken the conscience of society and asserted that such elements have no place in a civilised society. He said the government will ensure that the case is taken to its logical conclusion and that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is awarded exemplary punishment in accordance with the law”.

Also read | ‘Rape, murder’ of minor girl sparks outrage in Kashmir, one arrested

The minor was kidnapped when she was on her way to attend the Quran classes and was found dead on Sunday moring, after being allegedly raped.

The police identified the accused as Mudasir Ahmad Mir, a resident of Galwanpora Sebdan.

“Investigation confirms no other person is involved in the case. Public is requested to maintain peace, cooperate with investigation and refrain from spreading rumours or misleading narratives. Strict legal action will be taken against violators,” said a police spokesman.

PDP MLA offers legal aid

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Muntazir Mehdi has offered legal aid to the family.

“As an Advocate, I will personally extend every possible legal assistance to the victim’s family to ensure justice is delivered. This heinous crime demands a swift, transparent and time-bound investigation. Those responsible must face the strictest punishment under law. I urge people to stand united with the grieving family and ensure no guilty person escapes accountability,” said Mr. Mehdi.

Mirwaiz under house arrest

Meanwhile, the Mirwaiz said he was placed under house arrest early Tuesday morning, “after being denied permission to visit Budgam to offer condolences and share in the grief of the bereaved family who lost their 12-year-old daughter in a brutal and shocking incident”.

“All my visits are subject to permission by authorities, who are to be informed a day earlier. It is strange that even a basic humanitarian gesture of expressing sympathy and condolence with the bereaved threatens the rulers and their narrative of ‘peace and normalcy’,” said the Mirwaiz.