A four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in an incident reported in Khanewal's suburban area of 67/15-L Vejhianwala on Wednesday.
According to initial reports, the girl had gone to a nearby shop around noon to buy items. When she returned home crying, her father noticed she was in pain and asked his wife to check.
The mother discovered bleeding and rushed the child to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Mian Channu, where she fainted.
Doctors referred her to Children's Hospital Multan for further treatment.
Hospital sources later confirmed that her condition was stable.
The incident gained widespread attention on social media, prompting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice.
She directed Regional Police Officer (RPO) Multan, Capt (retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry, to submit a report. Following instructions, District Police Officer (DPO) Khanewal Muhammad Ismail Kharrak formed a special investigation team under his supervision, including SDPOs and SHOs from multiple police stations.
An FIR was registered under Section 376 PPC on the complaint of the victim's father. Police launched an extensive search operation and, after 24 hours, arrested the suspect identified as 16-year-old Arsalan, a local shopkeeper and neighbour of the victim.
Speaking to the media, DPO Khanewal confirmed that Arsalan had confessed during interrogation.
He admitted to luring the girl under the pretext of returning Rs30 change, taking her to nearby bushes near a government hospital, and committing the crime. He later abandoned her outside her home and attempted to flee to Lahore, but was arrested before boarding a bus.
Police sources revealed that Arsalan initially tried to avoid suspicion but was identified during questioning and technical verification. Investigators noted his behaviour and heartbeat reaction during interrogation, which led to his confession.
The DPO assured that the case would be investigated on merit, without any pressure, and justice would be delivered.
The local community and journalist fraternity have also demanded a fair and transparent inquiry into the case.
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