The shocking case of Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl found dead in her home in Woking, Surrey, has left the community devastated and looking for answers. The news of her tragic death prompted a murder investigation by UK police, and the subsequent search for Sara’s father, Urfan, her stepmother, Beinash Batool, and Urfan’s brother, Faisal Shahzad Malik. However, there has been a recent development in the case, as five children who traveled from the UK to Pakistan with Sara’s father have been recovered from her grandfather’s home in the city of Jhelum.
While the search for the three adults is still ongoing, local police in Jhelum have confirmed that the five children are in their custody at a nearby police station. This development has brought a glimmer of hope to the investigation, as authorities are “hopeful” they can locate Sara’s father and stepmother. The address of her grandfather’s home is believed to be the hiding place of the suspects, and the recovery of the children may provide valuable information for the case.
The post-mortem examination of Sara’s body revealed the horrifying extent of her injuries, indicating that she had suffered “multiple and extensive” harm. This discovery has elevated the investigation to a murder case, intensifying the urgency to locate Urfan and Beinash Batool. The Surrey Police, who are leading the investigation, have emphasized that the well-being of the children is their top priority, ensuring that they are in a safe environment.
In a video shared with Sky News, Beinash Batool expressed the family’s willingness to cooperate with British authorities and fight their case in court. She vehemently denied media reports that suggested Sara’s death was an accident, clarifying that the information had been spread through a Pakistani media outlet. Batool also expressed concern for the family’s safety, revealing that they had been forced into hiding, unable to leave their homes out of fear for their wellbeing. The dire circumstances have left them without groceries or food for the children, further exacerbating their plight.
Sara’s mother, Olga Sharif, shared a heart-wrenching account of her visit to see her daughter’s remains. The distressing image of Sara’s swollen cheek and bruised face haunts her, leaving an indelible mark on her memory. The separation between Olga and Urfan occurred in 2015, and Sara, along with her older brother, had been living with their mother until 2019 when a family court decided that they should reside with their father. Despite retaining equal visitation rights, Olga claims that it became increasingly challenging for her to exercise those rights over time.
Sara’s grandfather, Muhammad Sharif, shared his son’s assertion that Sara’s death was an accident. However, the details of the injuries discovered during the post-mortem examination cast doubt on this claim. With the ongoing investigation, Surrey Police are appealing to the public for any information that might shed light on Sara’s life and help establish a clearer picture of the events leading to her tragic death.
The case of Sara Sharif is a harrowing example of child abuse that has shaken the community to its core. The recovery of the five children in Pakistan brings hope for justice in this heinous crime, but the search for Sara’s father and stepmother continues. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that anyone with information comes forward to aid the authorities in uncovering the truth behind Sara’s untimely demise.