Mansehra police apprehended a man on Friday for allegedly sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl the day prior, as per officials.
According to Mansehra District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Gandapur, a First Information Report (FIR) against the suspect has been lodged at the Garhi Habibullah police station. Gandapur confirmed to Dawn.com that the girl was purportedly raped, and the 64-year-old suspect has been taken into custody.
“A case has been registered under the Child Protection Act. The suspect has been successfully arrested,” stated the DPO in a video message on X. “We have gathered evidence and formed a special investigation team. I am personally overseeing this case,” he added.
In a statement released by the DPO’s office, it was mentioned that Gandapur met with the victim at the hospital earlier in the day. He assured the family of the girl that they would attain justice, and authorities would enforce strict punishment as per the law.
Additionally, the statement outlined that a deputy superintendent of police, the Garhi Habibullah station house officer, and the case’s investigating officer have been instructed to conduct an impartial investigation, explore all angles, and ensure the perpetrator faces legal consequences.
DPO Gandapur also directed the Victim Support Service Team Mansehra to provide medical assistance and psychological counseling to the girl.
According to Sahil, an NGO dedicated to children’s welfare, a total of 4,213 child abuse cases were reported in 2023. These cases encompassed various forms of abuse, including sexual assault, abduction, missing children, and child marriages, reported from all provinces, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
