DPO Umar Khan says main culprits in the case not yet arrested
Haqnawaz Shinwari
SWAT
District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Umar Khan on Wednesday claimed to have arrested 10 persons, including the head of the madrasa, in connection with the brutal murder of a 12-year-old student in the Chalyar area of Khwazakhela in Swat.
District Police chief said that the arrested persons were also allegedly involved in the torture of several other children at an illegal and unregistered madrasa.
Addressing a press conference at the DPO Office in Saidu Sharif alongside SP Investigation Swat, Badshah Hazrat Khan, DPO revealed that the police were actively pursuing two remaining prime suspects and have launched raids for their arrest.
The incident came to light on July 21 when the tortured body of 12-year-old Farhan, son of Muhammad Ayaz and a resident of Piya Fatehpur, was brought to the Khwazakhela Hospital.
A case was immediately registered on the complaint of the deceased’s uncle, Sadar Ayaz, under the Child Protection Act.
The FIR names the madrasa’s headmaster Qari Muhammad Umar, his son IIhsanullah, head Abdullah, and teacher Bakht Amin as key accused.
According to the DPO, Abdullah and Bakht Amin have been arrested, while Qari Muhammad Umar and his son Ihsanullah were still at large but will be apprehended soon.
In a parallel case, nine teachers were arrested after medical evidence confirmed physical abuse of other children at the same madrasa.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Omar Azda, Bakht Amin, Mohsin, Gohar Ali, Abdul Rehman, Syed Rehman, Noor Muhammad, Abdul Rehman, and Sami Ur Rehman, all of them are residents of Swat.
The police have also recovered sticks and chains used for torture from the premises. The Assistant Commissioner of Khwazakhela had officially sealed the madrasa, which was operating without registration.
The DPO stated that approximately 160 children studying at the facility have been safely handed over to their parents. He further announced that a district-wide survey was underway to identify and take legal action against all unregistered madrasas.
