Srinagar, Aug. 29 -- Srinagar- The probe into the alleged rape and subsequent death of a 15-year-old tribal girl in Kishtwar has been handed over to the Crime Branch, even as the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea seeking an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to her death.

The teenager was allegedly sexually exploited by her school teacher over several months, resulting in her pregnancy. She died on August 20 during a pregnancy termination procedure.

Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, Sarah Rizvi, confirmed that the agency had received communication from Police Headquarters regarding the transfer of the case.

"We are in the process of taking over the case," she sa...