Punjab mother arrested for allegedly torturing 4-year-old son

LAHORE / RAHIM YAR KHAN: A woman has been arrested for allegedly torturing her four-year-old son and recording the abuse on video in Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan, in a disturbing case that has raised serious concerns about the child’s safety and welfare.

The accused, identified as Saila Neelam Riyaz, a resident of Noor Colony in Sadiqabad and reportedly employed as a bus hostess with Faisal Movers, was arrested in Lahore after allegedly fleeing following the registration of a police case.

According to police records, the case was registered at City Police Station Sadiqabad on October 15, 2026, under Sections 324 and 328-A of the Pakistan Penal Code. The complainant is the child’s maternal grandfather, Muhammad Asif, a resident of Chak 150-P.

FIR Details Reveal Alleged Abuse

According to the first information report (FIR), the complainant told police that his daughter’s marriage to Zahid Ali had ended in divorce about a year earlier. Following the separation, the child, identified in the report as Muhammad Jahan, also known as Muhammad Subhan, had been living with his maternal grandparents.

The FIR states that the grandfather visited his daughter’s residence in Noor Colony on October 15 and allegedly found her physically abusing the child.

The complaint alleges that the woman cut the boy’s hair with a trimmer, pricked his head and cheek with a needle, causing bleeding, and sat on his feet while placing her foot on his face, making it difficult for him to breathe.

According to the complaint, two neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing the child’s cries and intervened to rescue him.

Police registered the case on the grandfather’s written complaint and assigned the investigation to Sub-Inspector Muhammad Akmal Farooq.

Family Dispute Allegedly Preceded Incident

Details available to Minute Mirror suggest that the child’s parents had married for love before their relationship ended in divorce. After the separation, the boy stayed with his maternal grandmother, who was also caring for children from another divorced daughter.

The family was reportedly experiencing financial difficulties and had sought financial assistance from Neelam for the child’s upkeep.

Following a dispute over financial support, the mother allegedly took the boy to her own residence, where the abuse was reportedly recorded.

Police sources told Minute Mirror that the woman allegedly wanted the video to persuade her family to take the child back into their care. These claims remain subject to investigation.

Judge Reportedly Distressed After Watching Video

The matter subsequently came before a woman judge in Lahore. According to sources, the judge became deeply distressed after viewing the video footage and briefly left the courtroom before returning.

The court reportedly declined to grant custody to the mother and awarded interim custody to the maternal grandmother. Child protection authorities were also brought into the matter.

The court’s final decision on guardianship remains pending.

Suspect Arrested in Lahore

After the case was registered, the accused reportedly went into hiding. Although initial reports suggested she had travelled to Karachi, police eventually traced and arrested her from Hujraviri Colony in Lahore before producing her before the court.

Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer Irfan Samo has directed officials to prepare the challan without delay, according to the information provided by police sources.

Child’s Safety Remains a Major Concern

Despite the arrest, questions remain about the boy’s long-term protection. Police sources have expressed concern that he could remain vulnerable if returned to an environment where family pressure might lead to the withdrawal of the complaint.

Authorities have also reportedly informed the court that police cannot continuously monitor a child living in a private residence.

Meanwhile, the video has prompted calls from people in Pakistan and abroad offering to care for or adopt the child. However, any decision concerning custody or adoption will need to follow the applicable legal and child-protection procedures.

The Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau has been alerted and is expected to assess the case and determine appropriate protective measures.

The case has highlighted the urgent need to ensure the child’s safety while the legal proceedings continue. The allegations against the accused remain subject to adjudication by the court.