A 14-year-old boy was allegedly buried alive in a village on the outskirts of Mari Lak in Punjab's Sargodha district after he reported an old rape attempt, police said on Saturday. A case was registered and three suspects were arrested. The injured boy was rescued and taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said his condition was out of danger.
Background of the Incident
According to police, the 14-year-old was allegedly subjected to a rape attempt around 20 days ago. However, the family did not approach police at the time, due to which no action was taken then. The police initially arrested two suspects, while the main suspect was later taken into custody.
Police Investigation
Sargodha District Police Officer Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf said the incident was being investigated from all angles and that the suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He said it was too early to conclude the allegations, adding that a final opinion would be formed after forensic reports.
Victim's Account
The boy told The Express Tribune that after he complained about the incident, the suspects became angry and decided to punish him. “He (the primary suspect) decided to teach me a lesson. On Muharram 9, I was picked up from outside my house in the afternoon and severely beaten by him along with two accomplices,” the boy said. “He later took me to a deserted area where bushes were growing and a hole had already been dug by a wild animal. I was thrown into it and covered with soil,” he added.
FIR Details
A first information report (FIR) was registered on Friday on the complaint of the boy's mother at Jhal Chakian Police Station under Sections 34 (common intent), 324 (attempted murder) and 376(3) (rape of minor) and identified three suspects. According to the FIR, the mother stated that on June 25 at around 4:30pm, her 14-year-old son left home to attend a gathering but did not return till late night, prompting the family to inform the police via helpline 15. She further stated that the following day she and her husband were still searching for the boy when they suddenly heard a child crying. Upon reaching the spot, they found the child buried in the ground, with only his leg visible. Police and Rescue 1122 teams were called again, after which Rescue 1122 personnel retrieved the child and took him to the DHQ Hospital.
Sequence of Events
The FIR added that when the child regained consciousness, he stated that around 20 days earlier he had told the elder brother of the main suspect that his sibling had subjected him to indecent assault. He further said that on June 25, while he was on his way to a gathering at around 5pm and reached Dera Wadhra, the main suspect intercepted him and questioned him about disclosing the incident to his older brother. The FIR stated that the other two suspects also arrived at the scene, after which all three abused and assaulted him and took him to nearby fields, where they subjected him to violence and buried him in the ground.
Legal Action Sought
Terming the incident a grave injustice, the complainant requested legal action against the suspects, seeking justice and their punishment.
