Suspect in child rape, murder case killed in 'encounter'
Photo: File
A man accused of the brutal rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl was killed in an alleged police encounter in the Sohdra area on Friday, officials said.
The suspect, identified as Salman, was arrested by the Crime Control Department (CCD) just hours after the victim's body was discovered. He was reportedly leading a police party to recover the murder weapon when the incident occurred.
According to CCD sources, armed accomplices of the suspect ambushed the police team, opening fire in an attempt to free him.
In the ensuing crossfire, Salman was fatally wounded, struck by bullets fired by his own associates.
His accomplices managed to flee under the cover of darkness, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend them.
The horrific crime came to light earlier this week. The young victim had gone to buy potatoes from a local shop in the Chima Road area when she went missing.
Her family filed a kidnapping case at the Civil Lines police station after she failed to return home. The following day, her body was discovered nearby, bearing signs of strangulation and sexual assault.
An officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the suspect was known to the victim's family and had even participated in the search for the girl after her disappearance.
During his initial interrogation, Salman confessed to the crime, stating he had lured the girl away. He claimed he killed her because she was resisting and screaming, and because she could identify him.
Following the suspect's death, local residents and the victim's family have praised the CCD for their swift action.
"Our daughter will not come back," the grieving parents said, "but at least this beast will not be able to harm anyone else's daughter or sister again."
Husband throws acid on wife
Meanwhile, a man allegedly threw acid on his wife in Gujranwala after accusing her of immorality, leaving her critically injured and at risk of losing an eye, police said on Sunday.
The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
According to police officials, the victim, identified as Saadia, had married the accused, Jamshed, a few months ago. Due to ongoing domestic disputes, Saadia had recently returned to her parents' home.
The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Dhulla Police Station, in the area of Gali Aijaz Hawaldar Wala. Police said the suspect first argued with his wife over the phone and later went to her parents' house. Following a heated exchange, he allegedly threw acid on her face.
As a result of the attack, the woman sustained severe facial burns, and doctors fear she may lose her eyesight in one eye.
Rescue teams shifted the victim to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Family members reportedly confronted the suspect after the attack, leading to a scuffle. During the chaos, the accused initially managed to flee the scene. However, police arrested him shortly afterward.
Footage of the altercation following the attack was also received by a private news channel, showing relatives confronting and beating the suspect before police intervention.
Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Irfan Bhinder confirmed the arrest and stated that a case has been registered against the accused.
He said the victim's formal statement would be recorded after her medical treatment, and strict legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.
Police have launched further investigation into the incident.