QUETTA: Police in Quetta claim to have arrested the killer of six-year-old Hazara girl Saher Batool, whose body was dumped after apparently being subjected to rape attempts.

“After one month, we have successfully apprehended the killer of Saher Batool,” Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation), Asad Raza told a crowded press conference on Friday.

Police had found the child’s body on October 29 this year from Zarghoon Road area of Quetta, the capital of the restive southwestern province of Balochistan.

The victim, who was the daughter of a gardener working at an army facility, was found near a garbage dump close to her home.

The accused had strangulated the girl after a failed attempt at subjecting her to sexual assault, SSP Raza told reporters today.

There were marks of torture on Saher’s face and neck, he added.

During the press conference, police also produced the killer before the media while covering his face.

The girl’s murder had prompted the minority ethnic Hazara community, human rights organisations and political parties to hold protest demonstrations in order to mount pressure on the top officials to catch the killer.

There was no immediate reaction from Saher's family following the arrest.

“We will bring more facts before the public once the investigation is completed,” SSP Asad Raza said.