Islamabad police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of popular TikToker Sana Yousuf within 20 hours of the incident, saying the teen was killed for repeatedly rejecting the advances of the suspect.
According to the police, the killing occurred in an upscale area of the capital, where a masked and armed assailant entered her home in the evening and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Sana was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Police initially termed the incident a targeted killing and accelerated their investigation. According to Inspector General of Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, authorities employed modern technology, including CCTV footage and geo-fencing, to trace the suspect's movements and phone activity.
Calling it a high-profile case with significant public pressure, the IG stated that law enforcement officials worked tirelessly and made the arrest using all available resources. The arrested individual has reportedly confessed during initial interrogation, and police have recovered the weapon used in the crime along with the victim's mobile phone. A case has been registered, and officials say the charge sheet will soon be submitted to the court.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police for their prompt action, saying the resolution demonstrates that there is no place for lawlessness in the country.
Meanwhile, social media users have reacted strongly, demanding justice and the harshest possible punishment for the perpetrator. Followers and supporters of Sana Yousuf have appealed to the government for exemplary action to deter such crimes in the future.
Police assure that the case is being handled as a model investigation and that judicial proceedings will be expedited to deliver justice to the victim's family.
Hailing from Chitral, Sana was a populer TikTok star. Her body was transferred to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem examination.
Initially, the police said they were investigating the incident but have not yet been able to apprehend the suspect.
They also said the suspect may have been a guest at the victim's house at the time of the murder.
"The suspect entered the house, fired multiple shots, and then fled the scene," said police.
Sympathies and condemnations poured in following the brutal murder.
"A young woman Sana Yousaf full of dreams, hope, and courage was silenced simply for daring to exist online. Her presence on social media was met with violence, and her life was stolen in cold blood. She deserved to live. To thrive. To speak. We must mourn her. And we must rise," a netizen said.
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