The post-mortem report of eight-year-old Muntaha Zahra has been released, confirming that the child was subjected to sexual assault, sources said on Thursday.

Muntaha was found dead inside a grocery store building in Sargodha.

The postmortem report that Muntaha Zahra suffered multiple severe injuries before her death.

According to the report, her facial and forehead bones were fractured, with injuries also found on the right side of her face and head.

Doctors concluded that the cause of death was the severing of the jugular vein.

A total of seven injury marks were found on the victim’s body, all of which were located on the neck and upper part of the head, the report added.

The report further revealed that a fracture was found in the skull beneath a deep wound on the right side of the head, indicating severe violence.

Police sources said the post-mortem report has been made part of the investigation, and all aspects of the case are being examined.

Authorities said the probe would proceed in light of forensic findings and other evidence.

Meanwhile, the Muntaha murder case has taken a new turn, with the victim’s family alleging that influential individuals are attempting to shield the remaining suspects using their influence with the police.

“We had no dispute or enmity with the owners of the Hanif Kiryana Store,” said Muhammad Shahid, the victim’s uncle.

Shahid claimed that police had arrested five suspects at the scene. One of them has since died in an alleged encounter, while no action is being taken against the remaining suspects.

He further claimed that influential traders and other individuals were contacting police and members of the family in an effort to secure protection for the remaining suspects.

Police have not yet commented on the family’s allegations.