12 arrested in Swat after child’s murder inside religious seminary; investigation reveals tragic warnings ignored
By Junaid Toru
SWAT
In a harrowing case that has left the nation shaken, a young boy was brutally beaten to death at a religious seminary in Swat’s Khwazakhela area just hours after being forced to return, despite telling his family he was being abused.
Police have arrested 12 individuals, including the seminary’s administrator Muhammad Umar, his sons Ehsanullah and Abdullah, and multiple teachers, following the tragic incident on July 21. The suspects had fled the seminary but were traced and taken into custody after a rapid investigation.
“They were the prime suspects, and had been on the run since the day of the incident,” confirmed District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Umar Khan. Two FIRs have been registered: one under murder and assault charges, and the other under the Child Protection Act.
According to SHO Aziz Khan of Khwazakhela, the victim had earlier resisted a sexual assault attempt by Ehsanullah, and bravely reported it to his uncle. However, the family, believing the child was making excuses to skip seminary, dismissed the warning. The boy stayed home for four days before being taken back.
“Only three hours after I dropped him off, the police called to say he was dead,” the uncle said, holding back tears. “He had memorized ten paras of the Quran. He didn’t want to go back this time. I wish I had listened.”
Eyewitnesses claim the child was attacked shortly after his uncle left, beaten with sticks and rubber pipes by multiple teachers including the administrator and his sons. The brutal assault led to the boy’s death.
The seminary was sealed the same day, and more than 150 students were safely returned to their families. Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and that more arrests are possible.
The tragedy has sparked renewed debate over child safety in religious institutions, with rights activists demanding urgent reforms and strict regulation of madrasas across the country.
“This wasn’t just a crime it was a failure of trust, of protection, and of justice,” one activist said. “No child should be sent back to their abuser.”
