At least 10 people, including the head of an unregistered madrassa, have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a child in Khwazakhela area of Swat in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while police continue to search for two more key suspects in the case, Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Omar Khan confirmed on Wednesday.
During a news conference at the DPO office in Saidu Sharif, DPO Khan, accompanied by SP Investigation Bashir Hazrat Khan, detailed the horrific events that led to the discovery of 12-year-old Farhan’s body. Express News reported.
On July 21, Farhan’s beaten body was brought to Khwazakhela Hospital. Police immediately launched an investigation after the child’s uncle, Sadr Ayaz, filed a report, leading to the identification of the madrassa’s head, Qari Mohammad Omar, and other suspects.
“An FIR was filed under the murder and Child Protection Act against the madrassa’s head, his son, and other suspects,” said DPO Khan, adding, “Two of the accused, Abdullah and Bakht Amin, have been arrested, and we are pursuing the remaining suspects.”
The police investigation revealed signs of physical abuse on other children at the madrassa, prompting an additional case to be filed against nine teachers all of whom were arrested.
“Approximately 160 children enrolled at the madrassa have been handed over to their parents,” he said. The madrassa, which was found to be operating illegally, has been sealed by the authorities. DPO Khan announced that a list of unregistered madrassas in the district is being compiled, and strict actions will be taken against them.
Additionally, in a related case in Gulkada, two men, Mohammad Rahman and Abdul Salam, were arrested under the Child Protection Act for their involvement in the abuse of another child. “We will not tolerate cruelty or abuse against children, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” DPO Khan asserted.
Read More: Madrassa student killed in Swat after ‘five hours of torture’ by teachers
A day earlier, a young student tragically died after being subjected to five hours of relentless physical abuse by his teachers at a madrassa in the Khwazakhela area of Swat in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The incident triggered widespread anger and grief in the region. Family members and local residents took to the streets in protest, blocking the main road in Khwazakhela bazaar, demanding severe punishment for the teachers involved.
According to a fellow student, the victim was confined to a room by three teachers, who took turns torturing him for five hours. The abuse continued without interruption, with each teacher inflicting further pain until the child ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
