ISLAMABAD: A man has been arrested for allegedly raping a toddler on the outskirts of the capital.

Police said the incident took place near Simly Dam Road in Bhara Kahu. The family of the victim, a two-year-old girl, was searching for her after she left her home in the morning.

Police said her mother found her leaving a neighbouring house and informed her husband.

The issue was then brought to the knowledge of a local notable and the police were informed.

The police have taken a man from the neighbouring house into custody on rape charges.

The suspect, a 22-year-old man, was shifted to a police station. The child was taken to a hospital to be examined.

A case has been registered against the suspect with the Bhara Kahu police under Pakistan Penal Code sections 376 and 377-B.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Mohammad Rizwan told Dawn a suspect has been arrested and will be produced in a magistrate’s court to seek remand for investigation. He added that the report from the victim’s medical examination is awaited.

Bhara Kahu Station House Officer Inspector Mohammad Arshad said that although the case was registered on rape charges, the suspect had attempted to rape the victim.

He said the victim left her house at 10am and was found an hour later at a neighbouring house. He said the victim belonged to a local family, while the suspect is a native of Swat who recently moved in the neighbourhood with his family.

He said the suspect was alone at home when the victim’s mother spotted her daughter leaving the house.

Inspector Arshad said the suspect is in custody and the investigation is in progress.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2019