Toddler’s Death in Karachi Sparks Outrage; Family Demands Death Penalty for Arrested Suspect
KARACHI: The family of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who died after an alleged sexual assault in Karachi’s Qayyumabad area has demanded the death penalty for the arrested suspect, who is reportedly a close relative of the victim.
According to police, a case has been registered at Defence Police Station on the complaint of the victim’s father, Rana Ali Akbar, naming Mannan, son of Ashiq Hussain, as the prime suspect. The accused has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
The victim’s father said the suspect, who is the son of his wife’s paternal aunt, frequently visited their home and would often take the child out to buy snacks or treats. On the day of the incident, he allegedly took the toddler with the same pretext but did not return for about 20 minutes.
According to the father, when the suspect brought the child back, she appeared unconscious and unwell. The family initially tried to comfort her at home, but her condition deteriorated and she began vomiting. She was first taken to a nearby hospital and was later referred to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where she died while being transported.
In his complaint, the father alleged that the suspect physically assaulted and sexually abused his daughter, resulting in her death. He urged the authorities to ensure justice and take strict legal action against anyone found involved in the crime.
Residents of Qayyumabad also called on the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the accused receives the maximum punishment under the law, including the death penalty if convicted. They further urged police to investigate and arrest any possible accomplices.
Police said the child’s body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination. Officials added that the final post-mortem report will determine the exact cause of death and whether sexual assault occurred.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is continuing and that the suspect remains in police custody.
