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KALA SHAH KAKU:
The man accused of murdering his three-year-old niece and dumping her body in a sewage canal in Kot Pindi Das has been killed in an alleged police encounter, bringing a chilling case to a dramatic close.
Police said Umar Farooq, who had confessed to killing his niece Zainab, died after being hit by bullets fired by his own accomplices during a shootout with CCD police near Jhoke Kalan Road.
Police officials said the confrontation erupted when a team signaled three suspects on a motorcycle to stop.
The suspects opened fire, injuring Constable Muhammad Khan. However, the officer escaped serious harm due to his bulletproof vest. During the exchange of fire, one suspect was killed, later identified as Umar Farooq, son of Nawab Din Sheikh.
The remaining two managed to flee, and raids are underway for their arrest.
The murder occurred a week earlier in Kot Pindi Das, a centuries-old settlement near Kala Shah Kaku known for its religious learning and close-knit community.
The victim, three-year-old Zainab, daughter of labourer Abdul Rauf, was abducted while playing outside her home. Her mutilated body was found three days later in a nearby drain, sparking widespread grief and anger.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Zainab’s paternal uncle, Umar Farooq, who confessed to killing the child to “avenge” a domestic dispute with his brother.
Villagers said the accused suspected his sister-in-law of performing spiritual charms to prevent his wife from bearing a son – despite himself being the father of five daughters.
After his arrest, Umar escaped custody on October 26 by jumping into a drain while handcuffed.
Zainab’s family had earlier announced forgiveness for the accused, citing sympathy for his children. “We leave our judgment to Allah,” the family had said. “He inflicted a wound that will never heal, but we did not want his daughters to suffer.”
Police transported Umar Farooq’s body back to his native village under heavy security.
