Ichhra triple murder: Police probe mother’s alleged contact with Jhang man

Police sources say suspect is accused of killing her three children and was in regular contact with a man through WhatsApp messages and phone calls

LAHORE: The investigation into the killing of three minor siblings in Lahore’s Ichhra area has taken a new direction, with police examining the possible involvement of their mother along with her alleged contact with a man from Jhang.

Police sources say the suspect, Rida, is accused of killing her two daughters and a young son earlier this week. Investigators have found that she was in regular contact with a man identified as Shehryar through WhatsApp messages and phone calls. Financial transactions between the two through mobile applications have also been traced.

Officials suspect that the woman intended to separate from her husband, Ramzan, and later marry Shehryar, and that the children were seen as an obstacle in this plan. However, they stressed that these findings are part of an ongoing investigation and have not been proven in court.

The husband was initially detained for questioning but was later released after no direct evidence linked him to the case. Shehryar is expected to be questioned as the investigation continues.

In a key development, CCTV footage shows the suspect leaving the house shortly after the incident. She appears calm, looks around outside the residence, and then walks away.

Investigators believe the incident occurred before 10am and suspect that efforts were made to tamper with the scene.

A court has granted a five-day physical remand of the accused for further interrogation.

Police said the suspect initially tried to blame her in-laws and gave conflicting statements at the scene, claiming she was unwell and that her children were alive when she left home. However, inconsistencies in her statements and call record data reportedly led to a breakthrough, after which she allegedly confessed.

Officials said forensic reports are still awaited, and final conclusions will be made once the investigation is completed.

The incident came to light on Thursday (April 23) when police were informed about three children found dead inside a house. The victims were identified as five-year-old Momina Batool, four-year-old Momin Raza, and one-and-a-half-year-old Ume Habiba.

During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly told police that she committed the act due to repeated disputes with her husband over the “legitimacy” of the children and later planned to end her own life. Investigators say all statements are being verified as part of the ongoing inquiry.