Haroon Siraj
SWAT
Hundreds of people took to the streets in Madyan area of tehsil Bahrain on Thursday to protest the alleged sexual assault and subsequent killing of a nine-year-old girl and demanded exemplary punishment for the suspect under the law.
The girl’s body was found in Madyan a day earlier, following which police launched an investigation and began searching for the suspect. Police later arrested a 34/35-year-old man, identified as Sultan, who is reportedly an employee of the Forest Department. A weapon allegedly used in the crime was also recovered from him, police said.
According to the initial police investigation, the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted the girl before shooting her dead. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and will be subject to determination by the court.
The girl’s uncle, Omar Gulab, said she was an orphan and a second grade student. Her father had died and she had gone to school on the day of the incident, he said.
During the protest, participants condemned the incident and described the killing of an innocent child as a grave and inhuman crime.
The protesters called on the government and relevant institutions to ensure a swift and transparent trial and to punish the accused in accordance with the law. They also demanded effective measures for the protection of children and said those found responsible for such crimes should face exemplary punishment under the law.
