Ramban, Sep 1: The District Hospital Kishtwar has terminated the services of another sanitation worker following her arrest in connection with the case registered at Police Station Chatroo regarding the death of a minor girl.
According to an official order issued by the Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Kishtwar, Zareena Begum, wife of Shabir Ahmed and a resident of Bandereena, Kishtwar, who was engaged as an HDF sanitation worker at the hospital, was arrested by Police Station Chatroo on August 30, 2026, in connection with FIR No 34/2026.
The hospital authorities stated that they received formal information about her arrest from the Station House Officer, Police Station Chatroo, through a wireless signal dated August 30.
Following the receipt of the communication, the Medical Superintendent ordered the termination of Zareena Begum’s services with immediate effect.
The order cited the “extremely grave and serious” nature of the allegations and offences involved, stating that her continuation in service was considered incompatible with the discipline, integrity and functioning of a public health institution.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including Sections 61(1), 65(2), 90, 91 and 92 of the BNS and Sections 4, 6, 8, 10 and 17 of the POCSO Act, as mentioned in the official record.
Copies of the termination order have been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Director Health Services Jammu, SSP Kishtwar, Chief Medical Officer Kishtwar, and the Station House Officers of Police Stations Kishtwar and Chatroo for information and necessary action.
The latest departmental action comes amid an ongoing investigation into the Chatroo minor’s death case, which has resulted in multiple arrests and triggered widespread concern across the Chenab Valley. Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the circumstances of the case and ascertain the alleged role of each person connected with the matter. Later, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch.
Earlier, Farooq Ahmed, another sanitation worker posted at District Hospital Kishtwar, was also terminated from service following his arrest in connection with the same case. With the latest action against Zareena Begum, the hospital has now terminated two sanitation workers in connection with the investigation.
The investigation has involved the arrest of several persons allegedly linked to the case, with investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual exploitation of the minor, her subsequent medical treatment and the role of various individuals.
Authorities have maintained that the investigation is being conducted on the basis of evidence and material collected during the probe.
Further action is expected as the investigation into FIR No. 34/2026 progresses.
