In the latest development of the investigation into the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in Woking, Surrey, five children who traveled from the UK to Pakistan with Sara’s father have been recovered by the police. According to authorities, the children were found at Sara’s grandfather’s home in the city of Jhelum. The local police have confirmed that the children are now in their custody at a nearby police station. However, the search for Sara’s father, Urfan, and her stepmother, Beinash Batool, is ongoing. The police are “hopeful” that they can locate the remaining adults who are believed to have been hiding at the address in Jhelum.
Sara’s death has shaken the community, and the murder investigation initiated by the UK police has been ongoing since last month. A post-mortem examination of Sara’s body revealed that she had suffered “multiple and extensive” injuries. This horrifying discovery led authorities to suspect foul play, prompting the search for Sara’s father and stepmother. Mr. Sharif, Ms. Batool, and Mr. Sharif’s brother, Faisal Shahzad Malik, are believed to have traveled to Pakistan from the UK the day before Sara’s body was found. The three adults are also suspected of having traveled with the five children, who range in age from one to 13.
Surrey Police have emphasized that the welfare of the five children is a top priority. It is evident that their safety and well-being are of utmost importance to the authorities involved in the case. In a video shared with Sky News, Ms. Batool stated that the family is willing to cooperate with the British authorities and “fight our case in court.” She denied media reports claiming that Mr. Sharif’s brother Imran had suggested Sara’s fatal injuries were the result of a staircase accident, clarifying that the information was spread through an unrelated Pakistani media outlet. Ms. Batool expressed deep concern for the well-being of the family, noting that they had been forced into hiding. She explained that the adults are unable to leave their homes out of fear for their safety, leaving them without access to necessary groceries and food for the children.
A Heartbreaking Mother’s Account
Sara’s mother, Olga Sharif, shared a distressing account of her visit to see her daughter’s remains in an interview with the Polish television program “Uwaga!” She described how one side of Sara’s face was bruised and swollen, a haunting image that continues to torment her whenever she closes her eyes. The separation of Ms. Sharif and her husband took place in 2015, and Sara and her older brother had lived with her until 2019 when a family court ruled that they should reside with their father. Though Ms. Sharif maintained equal rights to visit her children, she increasingly struggled to exercise those rights over time, which she found profoundly difficult.
Conflicting Claims and the Ongoing Investigation
Sara’s grandfather, Muhammad Sharif, previously spoke to the BBC and revealed that Sara’s father had claimed her death was an “accident.” The investigation carried out by the Surrey Police is still in progress, and they are appealing to the public for any information that could contribute to a better understanding of Sara’s life leading up to her tragic death. The authorities are tirelessly working to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for this heart-wrenching crime.
As the investigation continues, it remains imperative that all efforts are exerted to ensure justice for Sara Sharif and to bring closure to her loved ones and the wider community impacted by this devastating loss. The tragic circumstances surrounding her death serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children and the responsibility society bears in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
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