SAHIWAL – In a dramatic turn of events that locals are calling “poetic justice,” a prayer leader accused of the rape of a minor was apprehended by the Crime Control Department (CCD) Sahiwal after accidentally shooting himself in the groin during a police encounter.
The suspect, identified as Mujahid Iqbal, had been on the run since a heinous crime involving a seven-year-old girl sparked national outrage.
Background of the Crime
The incident traces back to March 9 in the Chowbara area of District Layyah. According to reports, Iqbal, who served as a local Imam, allegedly assaulted his seven-year-old student, Hafsa Bibi.
Adding to the gravity of the crime, the suspect reportedly recorded the assault and shared the footage on social media. Following the leak, a case was registered at the Chowbara Police Station, but Iqbal managed to flee before officers could secure an arrest.
The Raid and “Friendly Fire”
The Layyah police utilized GPS tracking and modern surveillance technology to monitor the suspect’s movements. His location was eventually traced to a mango orchard near Chak 70/4-R in Sahiwal.
Acting on this intelligence, the Sahiwal CCD cordoned off the area. According to police officials:
As the raiding party closed in, the suspect attempted to pull a pistol from his waistband to open fire.
In his haste, the weapon accidentally discharged inside his clothing.
The bullet struck his genital area, causing severe injuries and neutralizing the threat immediately.
Legal Action and Public Reaction
The injured suspect was rushed to Sahiwal Teaching Hospital under heavy guard, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Police have registered a fresh case against him under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Arms Ordinance. The case, filed on the complaint of Inspector Waqas, remains under active investigation to ensure all evidence—including the digital recordings—is presented in court.
“Those who destroy the lives of innocent children deserve no leniency,” a local resident remarked, echoing a sentiment widely shared across social media platforms where many view the suspect’s self-inflicted injury as a form of “divine retribution.”