In August, the heartless case of Sara Sharif’s death caused ripples not only in the UK and Pakistan but all over the world. The 10-year-old girl’s body showed signs of abuse, and one can only imagine the trauma her mother received when she was called to identify Sara.
At the time, Sara was living with her father, stepmother, and uncle, all of whom suspiciously fled to Pakistan. The day after, authorities were alerted of Sara’s death by her own father, who was missing.
After more than a month, the suspects have been arrested due to joint efforts by UK and Pakistani police, and here is everything you need to know about it.
Who Is Sara Sharif?
Sara Sharif was the 10-year-old daughter of Olga Sharif and Urfan Sharif. She was found dead at her Woking, UK residence after Urfan called 999 and told the police that his daughter would be found dead in his Surrey home.
Sara had five other siblings who were taken to Pakistan when her father, stepmother, and uncle fled the country. She was taken out of primary school in April to be homeschooled by her stepmother, Beinash Batool. The case was known to social services.
What Happened to Sara Sharif?
10-year-old girl Sara Sharif was found dead at her home on Hammon Road in Woking. Her lifeless body was found a day after her father, Urfan Sharif, stepmother, Beinash Batool Urfan’s brother, Faisal Malik, traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan, with their five other children. Sara’s body had multiple injuries, and her cause of death was ascertained to likely not be natural.
On August 9, the three suspects fled the UK, and on the very next day, Urfan alerted Surrey Police about Sara’s dead body, which would be found at their property.
A post-mortem examination revealed the child had suffered “multiple and extensive” injuries, which are likely to have been caused over a “sustained and extended” period of time.
A search for the three parties involved was underway, but the three went into hiding. Pakistani police were seeking to arrest the three in mid-August. Officers stated that they had briefly returned to their family home in Jhelum before disappearing again.
The Sharif family was interrogated by Pakistani police, and two of their vehicles were confiscated to restrict movement. Sara’s grandfather urges the three via the press to hand themselves over.
In early September, a footage was sent to broadcasters where only Batool spoke and called Sara’s death “an incident.” She did not offer any more explanation for the death and said, “Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on. My main concern is that Pakistani police will torture or kill us that is why we have gone into hiding.”
Five children were taken from the Sharif family home and were later returned. In the UK, Surrey police reported that they are working to secure a safe return of the siblings from Pakistan.
On September 13, Urfan Sharif, Beinas Batool, and Faisal Malik landed at Gatwick Airport, UK, and were arrested on suspicion of murder immediately. Police said the three suspects would be interviewed.
What Were the Injuries of Sara Sharif?
According to Olga Sharif, Sara’s cheeks were swollen, and the other side was bruised when she went to identify her dead body. The post-mortem examination also revealed that she had suffered “multiple and extensive” injuries. These injuries were likely caused over an extensive period.
Who Is Sara Sharif’s Mother?
Sara Sharif’s mother is Olga Sharif, a Polish native who separated from Urfan Sharif, Sara’s father, in 2015. Both Sara and her brother were sent to live with their dad by the family court. While Olga had equal rights to see the children, she stated that it became harder over time.
Olga was horrified at the bruises on Sara when she had to identify the dead body of her own daughter. “Even now, when I close my eyes, I can see what my baby looked like.” She added that no mother should have to see something like that.
What do you think of this heart-wrenching case? What do you think could have happened behind the scenes? Tell us in the comments below.
2 Comments
I think the UK should be considering reestablishing the death sentence for proven henious crimes
The stepmother was the ring leader – but all sick to commit such an evil crime. Poor child 😢