KARACHI: Mourning engulfed the narrow streets of Qayyumabad on August 5 morning as news of the death of one-and-a-half-year-old little Aizal spread through the neighbourhood like wildfire. The little girl, who had not yet properly learned to speak, had fallen silent forever. The toys, tiny clothes and unfinished laughter that once filled her home were replaced by cries of grief, while her parents were left devastated by a loss that may never truly heal.
According to police, the tragic incident took place at Street No. 1 in D Area of Qayyumabad, Karachi, where one-and-a-half-year-old Aizal lived with her parents. Preliminary investigations suggested that the child was taken outside by her close relative, Manan, on the pretext of buying her a treat as he had done before. The family said Manan had taken Aizal outside several times in the past, which was why nobody suspected anything when he took her with him this time.
But this time, when Manan returned with the child after about an hour to an hour and a half, the family was horrified by what they saw. Little Aizal was semi-conscious, her clothes were dirty, and she appeared to be in severe distress. Initially, the family thought that the child might have suddenly fallen ill. They tried to give her medicine and put her to sleep, but her condition continued to deteriorate. Shortly afterwards, she began vomiting.
In a state of panic, the family rushed the child to a private hospital near Qayyumabad Chowrangi. After an initial examination, doctors advised them to immediately take her to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. Carrying their little daughter in their arms, her parents rushed towards the hospital, caught between hope and fear. But fate had something else in store. Little Aizal died before they could reach hospital. Upon arrival, doctors confirmed that she had passed away.
At Jinnah hospital, the child’s body was shifted to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination. After completion of the legal formalities, her body was handed over to the family.
The child’s father, Rana Ali Akbar, told police in his statement that Manan was the son of his wife’s paternal aunt and frequently visited their home. As a family member, he was trusted by everyone. According to him, Manan had again sought permission the previous day to take Aizal outside on the pretext of buying her a treat, and no one objected. However, when he returned with the child, her condition appeared abnormal.
The grief-stricken father alleged that his daughter had been subjected to violence and alleged sexual assault, which he believed resulted in her death. He said the family wanted nothing but justice for their daughter and demanded that if anyone else was found to have played a role in the crime, that person should also face strict punishment in accordance with the law.
“The accused who has now been sent to prison not only confessed during interrogation but also admitted to the crime in the presence of the victim’s parents and his own family. Following the interrogation, the victim’s family has expressed satisfaction with the police investigation,” Zone South DIG Asad Raza explained. He added that Manan had been confessing to the crime and claimed that he acted alone.
DNA samples from the deceased child, prime suspect Manan and another suspected individual Umar have been collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis, the officer said, adding that other samples from the child’s body have also been sent to the University of Karachi for chemical examination.
Manan, who has been sent to prison, was handed to the police by enraged family members. According to police, the arrested suspect was a resident of Qayyumabad and worked at a factory in the area owned by a man named Jalal who was also questioned as the investigators tried to examine all aspects of the incident.
A murder case had been registered at the Defence police station on the complaint of the victim’s father, with Manan, son of Ashiq Hussain, nominated as the accused. Police officials said the case was being investigated from every angle, while forensic evidence and the post-mortem report would also form an important part of the investigation.
Police said that if the investigations revealed the involvement of any other person or the role of an accomplice, action would also be taken against them in accordance with the law.
The incident once again highlights the painful reality that crimes against children are not limited to strangers; in some cases, even close relatives or people known to the family can turn trust into a serious crime. Such tragedies leave parents with a lasting fear: if the very people they trust the most can betray that trust, how can they ensure the safety of their children?
Little Aizal is no longer in this world, but her death has left behind many unanswered questions. Her family is waiting for justice, while police say the case will be taken to its logical conclusion on the basis of the final post-mortem report and scientific evidence, and that if the crime is proved, those responsible will face the strictest punishment under the law.
The suspect also confessed on video that he had raped the victim. He personally took the police to the location where he allegedly took the toddler and sexually assaulted her.
