Five Children Removed from Grandfather’s Home in Search for Suspects in Sara Sharif’s Murder
In a continuing effort to locate Urfan Sharif and his partner, Beinash Batool, who are wanted in connection with the tragic murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, the police have taken action. The pair had left the UK just one day before Sara’s lifeless body was discovered at her father’s residence in Woking, Surrey, on August 10.
Today, authorities carried out a raid on the home of Muhammad Sharif, Sara’s grandfather, in Jhelum, Pakistan. Five children who had traveled with the suspects were residing there, and the police were determined to find out more about Sharif’s whereabouts. Following the raid, the children are now under the care of the police, although Sharif, Batool, and Sara’s uncle Faisal Malik were not present at the time.
This operation marks one of at least 20 home searches conducted by Pakistani police as they intensify their efforts to locate the missing trio. Previously, ten close relatives, including Muhammad, were detained for questioning in connection with the case.
Batool recently appeared in a video statement in which she expressed the family’s willingness to cooperate with UK authorities and address the matter in court. However, she also voiced concerns about their living conditions and safety, stating that the children were unable to attend school, and essentials like groceries were running low due to the family’s fear for their safety.
This recent development is the first time Sharif and Batool have emerged since they left for Pakistan. Sara’s death remains under investigation, with the cause of death yet to be determined. A previous post-mortem examination revealed multiple and extensive injuries that are believed to have occurred over an extended period.
Efforts to locate Urfan Sharif, aged 41, have involved collaboration between the National Crime Agency, Interpol, and Pakistani authorities. It is known that Sharif left the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, with Beinash and Faisal on August 9, just one day before Sara’s body was discovered.
The absence of an extradition treaty between Pakistan and the UK presents a challenge in bringing the suspects back for questioning, further complicating the ongoing investigation into this tragic case.