Man arrested in Rawalpindi for digging girl's grave, black magic items found

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Police in Rawalpindi arrested a man caught digging a girl's grave in a local cemetery, allegedly to perform a black magic ritual, officials said on Thursday.

The suspect, identified as Yaseen Bukhari, was found with items commonly associated with occult practices, including a clay effigy resembling a human torso, seven amulets, and seven iron nails wrapped in wire, police said.

Bukhari, a resident of Adhowal village, reportedly told police he was following instructions from a spiritual healer who claimed that unearthing buried items would cure his bedridden wife.

"The suspect was caught red-handed with ritualistic items while desecrating the grave," said Sub-Inspector Aslam Parvez, who lodged the complaint. "His initial statement suggests he was acting out of desperation after failing to find a medical solution for his wife’s illness."

Police were alerted by the father of the deceased girl, who noticed someone tampering with the grave shortly after the burial.

Officers arrived at the scene and found Bukhari digging near the site with a small spade. A plastic bag containing the effigy, amulets, and nails was recovered from his possession.

Authorities said the suspect had been charged under section 297 of Pakistan's Penal Code, which criminalises interference with burial sites.

He was later granted bail by the court, as the offence is bailable.