Sargodha child murder case: Main suspect confesses, killed in police encounter

SARGODHA: A major development has emerged in the kidnapping and murder case of 7-year-old Muntaha Zahra in Sargodha City police station limits as the main accused, Muhammad Arslan, who had confessed to the crime during police investigation has been shot dead in encounter, ARY News reported.

According to police details, the case of abduction and murder of innocent Muntaha Zahra earlier saw a key breakthrough with the main suspect Muhammad Arslan, admitting to the crime while in custody. As the prime suspect was being taken to the crime spot for recovery of murder weapon, some of his aides reportedly opened fire on the CCD team. As the CCD team responded to the attack, Arsalan was killed in cross-fire while the attackers, according to CCD officials, fled the scene.

Police had produced all four suspects of the case in court after completing the initial investigation after which the court had handed over the suspects to Crime Control Department on a six-day remand.

The tragic incident gained widespread attention after CCTV footage surfaced showing the innocent child entering a shop for the last time. Later, her body was recovered from the third floor of the same shop.

After the incident, the main accused Muhammad Arslan managed to flee the scene. However, police traced and arrested him with the help of modern technology.

During interrogation, accused Arslan confessed to the crime, police said.

Meanwhile, the funeral prayer of Muntaha Zahra was offered amid grief and was attended by a large number of citizens. After the funeral prayer, the child was laid to rest at the city’s main cemetery.

Police have stated that further investigation is underway and the challan will be submitted in court after completion of forensic and other legal procedures.

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