Mohammad Arshman (inset) fell from a staircase window in a residential building in Sharjah in May 2026. ARCHIVE

The parents of two girls allegedly involved in the death of a two-year-old Pakistani boy in Sharjah have been released on bail, while the girls remain under the care of child protection authorities as investigations continue. The case has drawn widespread attention across the UAE following the death of two-year-old Mohammad Arshman, who fell from a staircase window in a residential building in Sharjah last month. According to legal representatives involved in the case, the parents of the two girls, who are believed to be around 10 years old, were initially taken into custody as part of the investigation. Advocate Preeta Sriram Madav, who provided legal advice to the families, confirmed their release. “The families of both girls were released on bail. Now the investigations and court proceedings will continue as per the local law,” Madav said. The girls remain under the supervision of the Child Protection Department while legal proceedings continue.

Parents questioned under UAE law

The parents were taken into custody because the children involved are below the age of 11. UAE law places responsibility on parents and guardians for the actions of underage children, making their involvement in the investigation a standard legal procedure. The families, originally from the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, were questioned following the incident. Residents in the building said one of the fathers briefly returned to the property earlier this week before moving elsewhere temporarily. The second family has not returned, according to neighbours. Sources familiar with the matter said a young boy from one of the families was not taken into custody and was cared for by relatives while his parents were being questioned. Mohammad Arshman’s father, Sajjad Hussein, earlier told media that the tragedy occurred moments after the child's mother briefly stepped inside their apartment. The Pakistani expatriate, who has spent nearly two decades living and working in the UAE, said that CCTV footage captured the moments before the fall. One girl stood by the staircase door while the other beckoned his son to come close, he said, adding that the boy then "hurried" towards the girl, while one held the door shut and the other caught him near the staircase window. Hussein alleged that the footage showed the child being thrown from a staircase window on the third floor, resulting in a fall of nearly 14 metres. Authorities have not publicly released details from the investigation or confirmed conclusions regarding the circumstances surrounding the fall. The case initially drew attention after reports suggested the toddler may have wandered out of his family's apartment before falling from an opening near a staircase. Subsequent investigations, including a review of CCTV footage, led authorities to examine the involvement of the two girls, who were reportedly playing with the child shortly before the incident. Police, child protection authorities and public prosecutors are continuing to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses and inspect the building to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. A senior Sharjah Police official said: “The case remains under investigation, and all legal procedures are being followed with child protection authorities and the public prosecution.” ICA/Expat Media
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