Lahore/Sargodha: Police have arrested two main accused in the incident of allegedly kidnapping and burying a 14-year-old boy alive in the Jhal Chakian area of Sargodha, while operations are underway to find the third accused. According to police, the victim boy was pulled out of the ground in a critical condition by locals and shifted to the hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
The incident came to light when a person passing by the area saw a hand sticking out of the ground. He immediately informed the locals, who removed the soil and pulled the boy out. Later, the police and rescue teams were informed, and the victim boy was shifted to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
According to Sargodha District Police Officer (DPO) Sohaib Ashraf, initial investigation has revealed that about 20 days ago, three people allegedly sexually assaulted the boy. Police say that the accused had threatened the victim boy that if he told anyone about the incident, he would face serious consequences.
According to the DPO, the accused later came to know that the boy had informed his family about the incident and allegedly also told their names. According to the police, on this basis, the boy was kidnapped again on Friday, and an attempt was made to bury him alive in a deserted place in Jhal Chakian.
Taking timely action, the police have arrested two main accused, and a case has been registered against them, while a special team has been formed to arrest the third accused. Officials say that after recording the formal statement of the victim boy, the investigation will be further taken forward and legal action will be completed based on the available evidence.
Police officials said that a detailed review of all aspects of the incident is being conducted, and other evidence, including forensics, is also being collected to strengthen the case. They expressed their determination that all those involved will be brought to justice as per the law.
This sad incident has come at a time when the body of a seven-year-old girl was found in Sargodha a few days ago. According to the police, the initial post-mortem report indicated that she had been raped. Later, the police claimed that the main accused in the case was killed by his accomplices during an alleged police encounter.
The recent incident has once again raised questions about the system of child protection, prevention of sexual crimes and providing immediate legal and psychological support to the victims. Experts say that in such cases, along with prompt and transparent investigations, effective measures are also essential for the rehabilitation of the affected children and their families.