Security – Kathua Case Lawyer Alleges Reduced Protection Amid Threats
Security – A Jammu-based advocate who represented the family of an eight-year-old girl in the 2018 Kathua rape and murder case has expressed serious concern over a reduction in her security cover, claiming it has put her family at risk and disrupted her daughter’s education.
Security Cover Reduced Despite Ongoing Threats
Deepika Pushkar Nath said that she was initially provided two personal security officers after receiving threats for taking up the sensitive and high-profile case. However, around three months ago, one of the officers assigned to her was withdrawn, leaving her with limited protection.
According to her, she had formally approached senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (Security), in November 2025, requesting a replacement for the withdrawn officer. Instead of assigning a substitute, the security arrangement was scaled down further. She added that subsequent follow-ups and meetings with officials did not lead to any change in the situation.
Safety Concerns Affect Family Life
The advocate stated that the reduction in security has directly affected her family, particularly her daughter, who is a student in Class 8. Earlier, one officer would accompany her daughter to school while the other stayed with her.
With only one officer now assigned, she said she has stopped sending her daughter to school due to safety concerns. The child has attended school only for examinations, as the family fears potential risks during daily travel. She also expressed discomfort with the idea of sending her daughter alone or with unfamiliar individuals.
History of Threats and Public Pressure
Deepika highlighted that she has been facing threats and hostility since she took up the Kathua case. She pointed to past incidents of intimidation, including protests and public criticism, which she said created a challenging environment both personally and professionally.
Referring to broader security concerns, she noted that even individuals with high-level protection have faced risks in the past, raising questions about the adequacy of reduced security in her case.
Appeal to Judiciary for Intervention
The lawyer has written to the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, seeking intervention in the matter. In her communication, she mentioned that since 2018, she has been subjected to sustained campaigns of hostility and public targeting due to her involvement in the case.
She has requested the judiciary to take note of what she described as an arbitrary decision to withdraw part of her security and to ensure that appropriate protection is restored without delay.
Concerns Over Threat Assessment Mechanism
Deepika also questioned the current system used to evaluate security risks, stating that there appears to be no consistent or transparent procedure for assessing threats. She expressed concern that decisions regarding security cover are being made without adequately considering the risks faced by individuals involved in sensitive legal matters.
She further stated that if any harm comes to her or her family, responsibility should be fixed on the authorities overseeing security arrangements in Jammu.
Legal Options Under Consideration
The advocate indicated that she may approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court if her security cover is not reinstated. She said that seeking legal recourse remains one of the options to ensure her safety and that of her family.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns around the protection of legal professionals handling high-profile and sensitive cases, particularly those involving serious criminal charges.