At least 10 people, including the head of a madrassa, have been arrested after a child died of physical abuse in Khwazakhela area of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police also continue to search for two more key suspects in the case.
Swat District Police Officer Mohammad Omar Khan confirmed on Wednesday. During a news conference at the DPO office in Sadiq Sharif, DPO, accompanied by SP Investigation Bashir Hazrat Khan, narrated the events of the horrific incident that led to the discovery of a 12-year-old Farhan’s body.
On 21st July, Farhan’s beaten body was brought to Khwazakhela Hospital. Police immediately launched an investigation of the child’s uncle, Sadr Ayaz, who 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 investigation revealed signs of physical abuse on other children at the madrasa, prompting an additional case to be filed against 9 teachers, all of whom were arrested.
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“Approximately 160 children enrolled at the madrassa have been handed over to their parents,” he said.