4 held after child burned alive in exorcism attempt

Mother, siblings allegedly tortured four-year-old girl to 'drive out jinn'

GUJRANWALA:

A four-year-old girl is battling for her life after allegedly being set on fire by her mother and other family members in an attempt to "drive out evil spirits," police said.

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the horrific incident.

The shocking incident occurred in Al-Badar Town, within the jurisdiction of Aroop police station.

According to police, the child's mother, Lubna, along with her two sons, Muneeb and Haseeb, and daughter Muzammal, allegedly placed the girl, identified as Marha, on a burning stove and set her on fire, believing she was possessed by jinn and responsible for the family's financial hardship, illness and other misfortunes.

Police said a neighbour alerted authorities after hearing the child's screams. Responding officers, led by SHO Qaiser Abbas Shah, forced their way into the house and rescued the severely burned girl.

The child sustained critical burns to her face, chest and other parts of her body.

She was initially shifted to a hospital in Gujranwala before being referred to Lahore's Mayo Hospital for specialised treatment, where she remains in critical condition.

Police arrested all four suspects at the scene.

SP Civil Lines Imran Khan said the suspects, during initial questioning, claimed they believed the child was possessed by supernatural forces and that burning her would remove the evil influence affecting the family.

Police have registered a case on the state's complaint under charges including attempted murder, assault on police officers and criminal intimidation, along with other relevant provisions of the law.

A court granted a three-day physical remand of the two male suspects, while the two female suspects were sent to judicial custody.

City Police Officer (CPO) Dr Ghayas Gul Khan described the incident as a tragic consequence of ignorance and harmful superstitions.

"The suspects initially claimed they had performed rituals and burned incense to exorcise the child before resorting to this horrific act," he said.

The CPO added that investigators are also examining whether any self-styled faith healer or spiritual practitioner instigated or advised the family to commit the crime.

Police said the investigation is continuing to identify all those responsible and ensure the case is taken to its logical conclusion.