Mentally challenged rape victim, 17, along with her baby die in Sahiwal

Sahiwal: Tragedy strikes as a 17-year-old mentally challenged girl and her newborn infant perish at Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, seven months after allegedly being gang raped by her maternal cousin and two accomplices. The victim, who lived in Chak 90/9-L, collapsed at home on April 19, 2026. Her distraught sister quickly called for help, leading a midwife to disclose the girl's pregnancy, which was later confirmed by doctors at the hospital.

Tragically, the victim had revealed to her sister that her maternal cousin, along with two unidentified men, had repeatedly subjected her to sexual abuse while confining her to a locked room for four months. On April 20, Ghala Mandi police took up the case based on her brother's complaint. Two suspects, including the primary suspect, were apprehended.

However, on June 24, the charges were amended to Section 376(iii) (rape of a minor or mentally challenged person), with Section 375-A (gang rape) subsequently removed, a decision allegedly benefiting the suspects. DNA samples were also sent for testing, with the report later confirming the guilt of the main suspect.