KOT ADDU (Web Desk) – Punjab police have arrested a suspect accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in Kot Addu, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif confirming that investigators traced and apprehended him within two hours using CCTV footage.
The incident has sparked widespread concern after the child was admitted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan in critical condition, according to local media reports.
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Monday, October 26, the chief minister expressed shock over the alleged crime and highlighted the swift arrest of the suspect. She said police had used CCTV footage to trace him following the incident.
“Look at his age and look at the heinous act he has committed. Heartbreaking,” Maryam said in her response to the case.
The suspect has been identified in media reports as Lakhmir Bala. Police have taken him into custody, while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police register case on father’s complaint
According to the first information report (FIR), the incident occurred in Chak 571 TDA, within the jurisdiction of City Police Station Chowk Sarwar Shaheed in Kot Addu district.
The victim’s father told police that his daughter had gone outside to play but did not return home as expected. Concerned about her whereabouts, the family began searching for her in the surrounding area.
According to the complaint, the parents heard the child crying outside a house. When they went to investigate, the father alleged that he found the suspect sexually assaulting the girl.
The suspect allegedly fled the scene after noticing the child’s parents, prompting the family to approach police and seek immediate action.
Police subsequently registered a case on the father’s complaint and launched an investigation to establish the sequence of events and determine the suspect’s alleged role.
Child receives treatment in Multan
Following the incident, the girl was shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where she was reported to be in critical condition.
The family has appealed to senior government officials and the Punjab chief minister to take notice of the case and ensure justice for the child.
Local media reports have stated that a medical examination confirmed the alleged sexual assault. The child’s condition and further medical findings remain matters for the treating hospital and relevant authorities to establish through official updates.
The incident has placed renewed attention on the protection of children and the need for prompt responses to suspected cases of abuse.
CCTV footage assists investigation
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said CCTV footage helped law enforcement trace the suspect and complete the arrest within two hours.
The reported speed of the arrest has highlighted the importance of surveillance footage in helping police reconstruct events, identify suspects and establish leads during investigations.
However, investigators must continue gathering and examining evidence to establish the full circumstances of the case. The suspect’s arrest does not replace the legal process, and the allegations must be addressed through the relevant judicial proceedings.
Police said the investigation was ongoing, with further action expected as evidence is examined and legal requirements are completed.
Calls for child protection and accountability
The case has renewed concerns about the safety of young children, particularly when they are playing outside their homes or within residential neighbourhoods.
Child protection advocates generally emphasise the importance of community awareness, responsible supervision, accessible reporting channels and timely intervention when children may be at risk.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the allegations and pursuing the case in accordance with the law. The family’s appeal for justice has also drawn attention to the importance of safeguarding the victim’s privacy and ensuring appropriate care during her recovery.
The child’s medical condition remains a central concern, while investigators work to establish the facts and determine the next legal steps in the case.
