Gujranwala Bride Killed, Faisalabad Toddler Murdered Over Rejection

LAHORE / GUJRANWALA / FAISALABAD : A disturbing pattern of violent crimes stemming from refusal of marriage proposals has emerged in Punjab, with two shocking incidents reported in Gujranwala and Faisalabad within days.

After the murder of a bride on her Valima day in Gujranwala for refusing a marriage proposal, a 2-year-old child has been brutally murdered in Faisalabad after his mother refused a similar proposal.

*Case 1: Gujranwala – Bride Killed on Valima Day:*

In Samanabad, Gujranwala, a bride named Saba was shot dead when the vehicle carrying the groom and bride was fired upon while returning from the Valima ceremony on Saturday.

Police have made a major breakthrough in the case. Female accused Aroob has been arrested. She is the cousin of main accused Sarfraz and was a close friend of victim Saba.

According to investigative authorities, the main accused Sarfraz wanted to marry the victim but her family had refused the proposal.

In a significant development, police have completed legal process to prevent the accused from fleeing abroad. Names of main accused Sarfraz and the female accomplice have been put on the Stop List / PNIL and formal letters have been sent to FIA and Ministry of Interior.

Investigators have also revealed that family members of both accused were already aware of the possible crime before it happened.

Police officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Chief Minister Punjab is personally monitoring the case. Four raiding teams comprising CCD and CIA have been formed and raids are being conducted in Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore.

Police have obtained family trees from NADRA, Call Data Records, location history, WhatsApp data and social media accounts of the accused for forensic examination. Intelligence agencies are also assisting in tracing the accused who had gone underground a day or two before the incident.

*Case 2: Faisalabad – 2-Year-Old Killed for Mother’s Refusal:*

In a similarly motivated crime in Sahianwala, Faisalabad, a 2-year-old boy Zohaan was brutally murdered with knife attacks, while his 5-year-old brother Rohan managed to escape.

According to police, the accused who lived in the same neighbourhood lured the two real brothers on the pretext of buying them toffees and toys.

The accused took both children to a desolate area near a canal and attacked 2-year-old Zohaan with a sharp knife. The child was shifted to THQ Hospital Chak Jhumra in critical condition where he succumbed to his injuries. His 5-year-old brother Rohan, who is an eyewitness, managed to escape and informed the family.

Police investigation revealed the accused wanted to marry the mother of the victim children, but she refused and married another person. Police suspect the murder was committed out of vengeance for that refusal.

Police have collected evidence from the scene, recorded the statement of the 5-year-old eyewitness and dispatched the body for post-mortem. Teams have been formed and raids are being conducted to arrest the absconding accused. A case is being registered under kidnapping and murder sections.

*A Growing Concern:*

These two cases highlight a dangerous trend where refusal of marriage proposals is leading to fatal violence against women and even innocent children. Residents of both areas have demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for the accused and urged the Chief Minister and IG Punjab to ensure swift justice.