MINGORA: A nine-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and later shot dead in the Madyan area of Swat district, while police have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident. According to police, the incident occurred in the Kuz Killay area of Madyan.

Police officials said she was a neighbour of the accused, Sultan Muhammad. Following the incident, the victim's body was shifted to a hospital in Madyan, where a post-mortem examination was conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Police sources stated that the initial medical examination indicated sexual assault, though the final cause and circumstances will be fully confirmed after forensic reports are received from the laboratory.

Law enforcement authorities have arrested the nominated suspect, Sultan Muhammad, and claimed to have recovered the pistol allegedly used in the crime from his possession as further investigations continue.