Body of missing five-year-old girl recovered in KP’s Haripur: police

Police and rescue officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Haripur district recovered the body of a five-year-old girl who had gone missing two weeks ago from outside her home. The girl’s body was found buried in an unused well at a warehouse near Haripur University, following a search of the area. An autopsy was conducted and a detailed report is awaited, but according to the District Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent, it is premature to determine the exact cause of death.

The girl was initially reported missing on August 10 and her case was investigated under Sections 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code and Section 364-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deal with kidnapping or abduction with intent to murder. Police arrested four suspects, one of whom confessed to the crime before a duty magistrate.

The suspects had allegedly sexually assaulted the girl and thrown her body into the well after attempting to conceal it with foliage. The case has been described as sensitive and complex, and a special investigation team, including Superintendent of Police Samina Zafar and women officers, is working on the case. Three suspects have been sent to prison on judicial remand, while the fourth is being interrogated.

The KP Chief Minister, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, expressed deep sorrow and condemnation of the incident, directing the formation of a special investigation team and promised strict punishment according to the law for those responsible.