Three arrested over burying boy alive for reporting rape attempt

SARGODHA: Police have arrested three suspects after a 14-year-old boy was allegedly beaten and buried alive in a village on the outskirts of Mari Lak in Sargodha district after he reported an earlier rape attempt, according to police.

The boy was rescued and shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said he was out of danger. Police said the alleged rape attempt had taken place around 20 days earlier, but the family did not approach the police at that time, so no action was taken then. Police initially took two suspects into custody before arresting the main suspect later.

FIR registered on mother’s complaint

A first information report was lodged on Friday at Jhal Chakian Police Station on the complaint of the boy’s mother under Sections 34, 324 and 376(3) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR names three suspects.

According to the FIR, the complainant stated that on June 25 at about 4:30pm, her 14-year-old son left home to attend a gathering but did not return until late at night. She said the family then informed police through helpline 15. The next day, she and her husband were still searching for him when they heard a child crying. On reaching the spot, they found him buried in the ground with only one leg visible. Police and Rescue 1122 were called, and rescue personnel pulled the child out and took him to DHQ Hospital.

The FIR states that after regaining consciousness, the boy said he had told the elder brother of the main suspect about his attempted rape, committed by the suspect around 20 days earlier. It further states that on June 25, at around 5pm, when he was on his way to a gathering and reached Dera Wadhra, the main suspect stopped him and asked why he had disclosed the incident to his older brother.

According to the FIR, the two other suspects then arrived, and all three allegedly abused and assaulted the boy, took him to nearby fields, subjected him to further violence and buried him in the ground.

Police say investigation is under way

Sargodha District Police Officer Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf said the case was being examined from all angles and that those found involved would be dealt with according to the law. He said it was premature to reach a final conclusion on the allegations and that a final opinion would be formed after forensic reports.

The boy also described the attack in remarks to The Express Tribune. "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."

He further said the suspects then took him to a deserted place. "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."

In her complaint, the boy’s mother termed the incident a grave injustice and sought legal action against the suspects and their punishment.