A four-year-old girl is in critical condition after she was allegedly set on fire by her mother and three siblings during an exorcism in Gujranwala’s Aroop locality, police said on Thursday.
According to preliminary investigations, the family allegedly believed the child was under the influence of black magic and possessed by a jinn, prompting the attack.
The victim, identified as Mirha, was rushed to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital with severe burn injuries, where she remains under treatment.
Police have arrested the girl’s mother, one sister, and two brothers in connection with the incident. Authorities said the suspects allegedly resisted arrest.
A Gujranwala Police spokesperson said City Police Officer (CPO) Dr Ghias Gulhad had assigned a special investigation team, headed by the Civil Lines SP, to probe the case. Police said a formal case was still being registered and that investigations are ongoing.