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Punjab Officer Charged With Murder After Police Shooting Kills 9-Year-Old Australian Girl

An arrested Crime Control Department officer now faces Section 302 murder charges, prompting Australia to seek a transparent inquiry into the fatal use of force.

Overview

  • The shooting happened on June 10 when CCD officers responding to an armed robbery fired at a family vehicle in Chakwal, killing nine-year-old Hania Ahmed and seriously wounding her father and brother.
  • Punjab police say the officer fired after believing the family car carried fleeing suspects but investigators and CCD officials have acknowledged protocol breaches such as failing to aim at tyres.
  • Authorities suspended and arrested the officer involved, upgraded the case to Section 302 murder, and prosecutors have sought the complete investigation record for presentation to court.
  • Australia’s prime minister has publicly demanded a transparent probe and the Australian High Commission is providing consular support to the grieving family.
  • Rights groups and opposition politicians are calling for a judicial inquiry into the CCD’s aggressive encounter tactics, a debate that could lead to stronger oversight of the force and further diplomatic scrutiny.