A nine-year-old girl has been shot dead in the town of Madyan after allegedly being sexually assaulted, according to police and a complaint filed by a relative, prompting thousands of people to protest and demand justice.

Police said they arrested a suspect, identified as Sultan Muhammad, shortly after the incident and recovered a pistol allegedly used in the killing.

The girl had gone to the suspect’s house in Kuz Kallay, according to the police complaint. A relative told investigators that she later heard gunshots and screams and went to the house, where she found the child injured and bleeding.

The girl died while being taken to hospital, the complaint said.

Police said a medical examination carried out after the child’s death indicated that she had been sexually assaulted.

Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Protests in Madyan

News of the killing sparked large demonstrations in Madyan, with thousands of people taking to the streets and blocking the Kalam Road.

Women joined lawyers, civil society representatives and members of social organisations in the protests.

Demonstrators demanded severe punishment for the suspect and called for the case to be investigated and prosecuted without delay.

They also called for the establishment of a special commission to oversee the proceedings and demanded that terrorism-related provisions be added to the case.

The Bahrain Bar Association said its lawyers would provide free legal assistance to the victim’s family and pursue the case in higher courts. It also said no lawyer from the bar would represent the accused.

Human rights organisations have expressed solidarity with the family.

Police promise evidence-based prosecution

Swat’s SP Investigation, Shaukat Ali Khan, met protesters and assured them that police would present the case before the courts on the basis of evidence.

He said investigators would fulfil all legal requirements and seek prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the law.

Police also said their preliminary investigation had raised allegations that the suspect was involved in the killing of his uncle in Dir. The allegation remains under investigation.

A committee led by Madyan Market President Altaf Hussain has been formed to coordinate with bar associations across Swat over the legal proceedings.

The killing has triggered widespread anger in Madyan and renewed calls for greater protection of children and accountability for crimes against them.

Police said the investigation was continuing.