11-year-old girl’s death: Kulgam Police nab hit-and-run accused from UP

Police in Kulgam have achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation of the fatal hit-and-run case registered as FIR No. 176/2026 at Police Station Qazigund by arresting the accused from Uttar Pradesh and seizing the offending vehicle during the course of investigation, Police said on Thursday.

The case pertains to a road traffic accident that occurred on 10 July 2026 near KP Colony, Vessu, where an unidentified vehicle struck an 11-year-old girl. The injured child was immediately shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for treatment but later succumbed to her injuries. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 176/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Qazigund and a dedicated investigation team was constituted.

During the investigation, Police conducted sustained efforts by analysing CCTV footage, examining available evidence, and developing technical leads. Through meticulous investigation and continuous follow-up, the investigating team successfully identified the accused and traced the offending vehicle.

Acting promptly on the technical leads, a police team from Police Station Qazigund proceeded to Uttar Pradesh, where the accused identified as Arun Gupta son of Lalit Ram Gupta resident of Behrinbagh, Barabanki Uttar Pradesh was arrested with the assistance of the local police. The offending vehicle was also traced and seized during the investigation. Further investigation in the case is underway.

SSP Kulgam, stated that the successful arrest demonstrates that offenders cannot evade the law by crossing state boundaries. He emphasized that the effective use of technical investigation and coordinated police action enabled Police to identify and apprehend the accused. SSP Kulgam further appealed to all motorists to drive responsibly, strictly adhere to traffic regulations, and never flee the scene of an accident. He advised that in the event of any road accident, drivers must immediately stop, render assistance to the injured, and promptly inform the nearest police station or emergency services. Leaving the scene of an accident not only attracts stringent legal consequences but can also deprive injured persons of timely medical assistance that may save lives.

Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for victims and taking strict legal action against those involved in hit-and-run incidents.