Woman, minor son killed during robbery

A woman and her 13-year-old son were allegedly strangled to death after offering resistance during a robbery at their home in Kot Madina area, police said on Thursday.

According to initial reports, unidentified assailants broke into the house late at night while the victims were asleep. The deceased were identified as Farhana, who worked at a beauty parlour, and her son Zeeshan. Family members said the suspects looted mobile phones and other valuables before fleeing the scene.

Zeeshan had reportedly memorised 29 chapters of the Holy Quran the same day and had distributed sweets among fellow students.

Two younger children, three-year-old Hania and four-year-old Shaban, remained unharmed during the incident.

Police said Farhana's husband has been residing in Saudi Arabia for several years.

Taking notice of the incident, the Inspector General of Punjab directed immediate action, following which Regional Police Officer Multan and District Police Officer Khanewal Muhammad Abid reached the site along with senior officers.

DSP Sadar Saeed Sial and other officials also visited the crime scene.

Separately, SP CCD Ishaq Sial, along with his team, collected evidence and launched an investigation based on statements from family members and local residents.

DPO Muhammad Abid constituted multiple teams and tasked them with arresting the culprits at the earliest.

The bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, tensions arose at the hospital after the post-mortem, as two families disputed custody of the bodies.

Following intervention, Farhana's body was handed over to her brother, while Zeeshan's remains were given to his grandfather.

According to family sources, Farhana will be laid to rest in a graveyard near Machli Talab, while Zeeshan will be buried in the Kot Madina cemetery.

Police said investigations are under way and efforts are being made to trace and apprehend the suspects.