The principal suspect in the rape and murder case of young Muntaha Zahra was killed during an armed confrontation with the Punjab Police’s Crime Control Department (CCD) on Wednesday, officials said, in a case that has triggered widespread public outrage across the country.
According to CCD officials, Muhammad Arslan was being transported to recover evidence linked to the investigation when the incident occurred near Jhal Chakian Teen Pul in Sargodha.
Officials said armed accomplices of the suspect suddenly opened fire on the CCD team. Police responded, and during the exchange of gunfire, Arslan was fatally wounded and died at the scene.
Following the shootout, additional police personnel were deployed to the area, while special teams were constituted to track down and apprehend the suspects who managed to escape.
The case drew national attention after CCTV footage emerged showing the child entering a shop shortly before she disappeared. Her body was later recovered from the third floor of the same building.
Investigators had earlier arrested Arslan after tracing him through modern investigative techniques and technological surveillance. Police said he had fled following the crime but was subsequently taken into custody.
Authorities stated that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to sexually assaulting and murdering the minor girl.
A court had earlier remanded Arslan to the CCD for six days of physical custody to facilitate further investigation into the case.
The District Police Officer (DPO) of Sargodha had previously pledged that all individuals involved in the crime would be brought to justice and face the maximum punishment available under the law.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for Muntaha Zahra were offered amid scenes of grief and mourning. A large number of residents attended the funeral before the child was laid to rest in the city’s main graveyard.