Elder sister held for killing 14-year-old sibling

By Sumesh Rajan | August 20, 2025

Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir, INDIA: In a shocking incident that has left the Kashmir Valley stunned, police have arrested a teenage girl for the brutal murder of her 14-year-old sister in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The crime, unprecedented in its nature, has triggered protests, disbelief, and anguish across the community.

The body of the minor, a Class-7 student, was discovered on Sunday August 17 morning lying in a pool of blood on a road near her home in Sehpora, Batpora. The recovery sparked outrage, with locals initially believing the sisters had been abducted. Police quickly formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and registered a case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Forensic teams were also dispatched to collect vital evidence from the crime scene.

Initial Rumours and False Leads

Soon after the murder, speculation spread rapidly across social media, with rumours suggesting a love angle and the involvement of outsiders. However, police categorically denied these claims, calling them “false rumours.” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, clarified in a press briefing that the murder was committed by the elder sister alone, and no third party was involved.

“The initial story that the two girls were kidnapped and one was killed did not add up. CCTV footage, location checks, and witness statements contradicted the elder sister’s claims. Eventually, after sustained interrogation, she admitted her role in the crime,” SSP Poswal said.

The Crime Unfolds

According to investigators, the two sisters had stepped out to search for their mother’s lost wristwatch in the fields near their home. An argument broke out, which escalated into a violent scuffle. In a fit of rage, the 17-year-old elder sister allegedly struck her younger sibling on the head with a wooden rod. When the victim lost consciousness, the elder sister hit her again, fatally wounding her.

“She admitted that after realising her sister was still breathing, she struck her once more and later hid the weapon in nearby bushes. We have recovered the stick with bloodstains on her disclosure in front of a magistrate,” said Poswal.

Forensic teams confirmed that strands of hair clutched in the victim’s hand matched those of the accused. Investigators also recovered blood-stained clothes from a cousin’s home, where the elder sister had changed after the incident.

Attempt to Mislead Police

Terrified after the killing, the accused initially fabricated a story, claiming that both sisters had been abducted by unidentified men and she had narrowly escaped. She even named an individual as a suspect, but technical surveillance revealed he was not in the area for two days.

“The elder sister said many things that didn’t align with the facts. She tried to mislead the investigation out of fear, but forensic evidence and her inconsistent statements exposed the truth,” the SSP explained.

Community in Shock

The crime has deeply shaken the local community. “We never imagined such a thing could happen here,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Sehpora. “Crimes like this are alien to our village, but sadly, they are no longer alien to Kashmir.”

Recent months have seen a worrying rise in violent crimes in the Valley, from domestic abuse cases to brutal assaults. Residents say the frequency of such incidents points to growing social distress.

Political and Administrative Reactions

The murder sparked widespread condemnation across Jammu & Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also represents the Ganderbal constituency, termed the killing “heinous” and demanded strict punishment for the guilty.

“This gruesome incident is shocking and heartbreaking. The law must take its course to ensure justice for the victim,” Abdullah said.

Police Response and Changing Priorities

Police were able to solve the case in less than 48 hours, with the elder sister now lodged at a juvenile observation home in Srinagar. Officials highlighted that the investigation was conducted in the presence of forensic experts, a magistrate, and even the parents of the accused, ensuring transparency.

The case also reflects a shift in J&K Police priorities. In earlier years, routine crime investigations were often overshadowed by counter-terror operations. However, with relative normalcy after the abrogation of Article 370, police have increasingly focused on law-and-order crimes like murder, theft, and domestic violence, aiming to restore public confidence in safety.

“This tragic case has undoubtedly shocked the Valley, but the swift and professional investigation has reassured citizens that law enforcement is committed to justice,” SSP Poswal concluded.