Man Arrested for Alleged Attempted Rape of Stepdaughter in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

A 35-year-old man, Arsalan, was arrested in POJK for allegedly attempting to rape his seven-year-old stepdaughter. The incident was reported on July 15. The suspect had a history of abusive behavior and previously attempted to sexually assault his elder stepdaughter, according to police reports.

In a disturbing incident, a 35-year-old unemployed man named Arsalan has been detained by police in the Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) over allegations of attempting to rape his seven-year-old stepdaughter, as reported by Dawn. The alleged crime took place on July 15 in Sihalia village, according to police official Rashid Habib Masoodi.

The suspect, who attempted to assault the minor while her mother was away, was arrested after the incident was reported. The mother discovered the heinous act upon returning home but did not immediately notify the police due to threats from Arsalan, who warned of severe consequences, including divorce, said Station House Officer (SHO) Masoodi.

The situation worsened when Arsalan continued his violent behavior. Last Wednesday, the mother confronted him, indicating her plan to alert authorities. Fearing arrest, Arsalan went into hiding but was later apprehended in Dadyal. The suspect faces charges under section 377-A (iii) of the Azad Penal Code, which carries a sentence of five to ten years or a hefty fine.

The incident has unveiled a troubling history of abuse. The First Information Report (FIR) notes that Arsalan has frequently assaulted his wife and sexually abused her daughters. He had previously attempted to assault his older stepdaughter, aged nine, last October but was granted bail after his wife settled with him in court, despite no legal grounds for reconciliation in such cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)