Search for missing child ends in grisly discovery

Seven-year-old Sarim found dead in water tank of his building

KARACHI:

A seven-year-old, who was reported missing from an apartment building in North Karachi on January 7, was found dead in the underground water tank of the compound on Saturday.

As per details, Sarim, son of Mohsin Parvez, went missing from Baitul Anam Apartments under mysterious circumstances, triggering a frantic search by his family, the building management, police, and the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC).

However, despite extensive efforts, including several raids on homes and the detention of a suspect, police failed to find any clue to the whereabouts of the child. In the meantime, a fraudster had sent a WhatsApp message from a foreign number demanding ransom for Sarim's release, adding another layer of distress to the family's ordeal.

However, Sarim's body was found in an underground water tank near Block C of Baitul Anam Apartments. Edhi volunteers, with the help of local residents, retrieved the body, which bore injury marks on various parts, indicating torture.

A post-mortem examination conducted at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital confirmed the presence of injuries, further deepening suspicions about the nature of his death. Police Surgeon Dr Sumaiya said that all necessary samples have been collected during the autopsy. "The exact cause of the child's death can only be determined after the chemical examination of these reports," she added.

The grisly discovery sent shockwaves through the community. Sarim's parents were inconsolable, with his father collapsing from grief, requiring medical attention at a nearby private hospital. Women and children from the apartment complex cried as the body was retrieved. The scene was marked by a sense of loss and outrage.