SARGODHA: The investigation into the alleged rape and murder of seven-year-old Muntaha Zahra took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after the prime suspect, Muhammad Arsalan, was killed in an alleged police encounter in Sargodha.
The development comes amid an ongoing probe into a case that has sparked widespread outrage and grief across the country.
A day earlier, a local court had handed over four suspects to police on a six-day physical remand to facilitate further investigation. The suspects were presented before a judicial magistrate following the recovery of the young girl's body from a grocery store building.
According to a police spokesperson, Muhammad Arsalan was initially arrested during a late-night operation. Three additional individuals, including the owner of the grocery store where the victim's body was discovered, were later taken into custody. An FIR was registered on the complaint of the victim's father, naming all four suspects.
The court approved the police request for physical remand, allowing investigators additional time to collect evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the crime.
The case took a new turn on Wednesday when Arsalan was killed during an alleged encounter with Punjab Police's Crime Control Department (CCD).
CCD officials stated that the incident occurred near Jhal Chakian Teen Pul in Sargodha, where the suspect was being taken for the recovery of evidence.
According to authorities, armed associates of the suspect opened fire on the police team, prompting an exchange of gunfire during which Arsalan was fatally wounded.
Following the incident, police deployed additional personnel to the area and launched a search operation to apprehend the individuals who allegedly fled the scene. Special teams have also been formed to track down the remaining suspects.
Investigators claimed that during interrogation, Arsalan had allegedly confessed to the rape and murder of the child. The shocking nature of the case has triggered strong public reaction and renewed calls for swift justice.
The investigation gained further momentum after CCTV footage surfaced showing the victim entering the grocery store shortly before her disappearance.
Her body was later recovered from the third floor of the same building, intensifying public concern and scrutiny of the case.
Police officials said modern investigative techniques and technological tools played a key role in identifying and arresting the suspects.
Earlier, the District Police Officer (DPO) of Sargodha had assured the public that all those involved in the crime would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for the young victim were offered amid scenes of profound grief and sorrow. A large number of residents attended the ceremony before the child was laid to rest in a local graveyard.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with citizens demanding a transparent investigation and strict legal action against everyone found responsible.
