Suspect Flees to Afghanistan in Chaman Case Involving Alleged Marriage of 4-Year-Old Girl

CHAMAN: A 60-year-old man accused of allegedly marrying a four-year-old girl in Chaman, Balochistan, has fled to Afghanistan, while police have arrested the girl’s father and the alleged groom’s brother, police said.

Police said investigations into the alleged marriage had also uncovered a possible link with the killing of the girl’s 14-year-old sister, Shukria Bibi, who was allegedly beaten to death in Kachlak on Sept. 7.

The husband of the 14-year-old girl has already been arrested in connection with her killing, police said. He is the son of the 60-year-old man accused of allegedly marrying the four-year-old girl.

Father’s Account

According to police, the girl’s father told investigators that his 14-year-old daughter had allegedly faced violence at her in-laws’ home.

The father said he had also been pressured to arrange the marriage of another young daughter. He said that last month, the proposed marriage of his four-year-old daughter to 60-year-old Salahuddin was agreed for 2.5 million Pakistani rupees.

However, before the payment was made, Salahuddin allegedly demanded the hand of the girl’s eight-year-old sister instead.

The father told police that after he refused to give the eight-year-old daughter in marriage, his 14-year-old married daughter, Shukria Bibi, was allegedly beaten to death in Kachlak on Sept. 7.

Police Investigation Continues

Police said they were investigating whether the alleged marriage case was connected to the death of the 14-year-old girl and whether other people were involved in either incident.

Authorities are also taking steps to ensure the safety and protection of the four-year-old girl, police said.

The alleged groom, Salahuddin, is reported to have fled to Afghanistan. Police said further investigations were under way to establish the circumstances surrounding his departure and to determine the involvement of any other suspects.

Police said legal action against those already arrested would proceed as the investigation develops, while evidence and witness statements were being reviewed.