KARACHI — A senior investigative team assembled by Sindh Inspector General of Police, Javed Alam Odho, has commenced a thorough inquiry into the rape and murder of a three‑year‑old girl in the Quaidabad area of Karachi, amassing DNA samples from more than a dozen suspects residing in the locality.
Kulsoom Mohammad Qasim, who had stepped out of her home to play in the Muslimabad Colony on Tuesday afternoon, was discovered later that evening inside a gunny sack placed at the entrance of the street leading to her residence near Mustafa Masjid in Muslimabad. Medical examiners verified that she had endured a violent sexual assault prior to her death.
Malir SSP (Investigation), Majida Perveen Halepota, informed Dawn on Thursday that law enforcement had gathered DNA samples from several suspects and were awaiting laboratory analyses to determine possible matches.
A fellow investigator disclosed to Dawn that a group of medical professionals, headed by Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, had collected DNA specimens from twelve individuals within the same neighbourhood, several of whom were related to the victim. These specimens have been forwarded to the University of Karachi’s forensic laboratory, with results anticipated in the coming days.
The officer noted that, in accordance with intelligence reports supplied by the Special Branch and local sources, investigators were zeroing in on three potential suspects who were alleged to be close relatives of the victim.
He added that the suspects were slated for questioning, though a decisive breakthrough would hinge on receiving a DNA match from the University of Karachi laboratory.
He further asserted that the investigative team was confident the perpetrator(s) operated within the same neighbourhood as the victim.
A formal case has been lodged by Quaidabad police at the behest of the girl’s father against unidentified perpetrators, invoking Sections 302 (premeditated murder), 201 (concealment of evidence), 376 (punishment for rape), 377 (unnatural offences), 363 (kidnapping) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
On Wednesday, Dr. Syed characterized the brutal murder as “one of the most harrowing incidents” she had encountered throughout her career.
“While all child rape‑murder cases are appalling, certain instances exceed the level of horror of others. This case falls into that category and is especially disturbing,” she remarked.
In response, IGP Odho established a review panel headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police for Karachi’s East Zone to conduct a transparent investigation of the matter.
“Those implicated in this heinous incident will face no leniency and will be held accountable,” he affirmed.
Earlier this week, Sargodha police announced the arrest of four suspects in the murder investigation of a seven‑year‑old girl whose remains were discovered in a shop; the primary suspect was alleged to have attempted to sexually assault the child before killing her.
A day later, however, the principal suspect was reportedly killed during an alleged exchange of fire with a Crime Control Department unit after purportedly fleeing police custody.
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