"We believe someone from the hospital is involved as the killer seemed to have knowledge of the building," LRH Chief Executive
Dr Arshad Javed. PHOTO: PHC WEBSITE
PESHAWAR:
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday took notice of a woman’s murder inside the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH).
A division bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Syed Afsar Shah took notice of the matter following reports of the incident submitted by the PHC Human Rights Directorate.
On Wednesday, the bench summoned LRH Chief Executive Dr Arshad Javed, Senior Superintendent Police (investigation) Sajid Mohmand, and other police officials deployed at the hospital, asking them to bring forward all relevant records including the duty roster.
Javed told the bench initial investigations revealed the deceased’s name was Noor Bibi. She was 24-years-old and had left home to visit her parents, but never reached.
“She was found dead inside the operation theatre’s (OT) newly constructed washroom and we believe someone from the hospital is involved as the killer seemed to have knowledge of the building,” said Javed, adding staff members found the body after they saw smoke emitting from the washroom.
Mohmand said Bibi, a resident of Palosai, was married to Aurangzeb, who went missing four days before her death. Mohmand said no report was lodged with the police, but once Bibi’s body was found, Khan Raziq police filed a case under section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The bench observed Sections 109 and 114 of the PPC along with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act should also be included in the FIR as the incident had spread a sense of insecurity and fear among people visiting LRH.
Justice Khan said it appeared the victim may have been intoxicated and raped, and asked Mohmand to present an autopsy report. Mohmand, however, said the report would be handed over to the police Thursday (today).
The bench directed officials to have the body excavated under the supervision of a magistrate and conduct a second autopsy if results from the first examination did not include intoxication or rape.
Javed told the bench a committee has been formed to probe the issue. The bench, however, ordered an investigation be conducted from scratch by the police investigation wing.
It ordered the city police chief to immediately task the superintendent of police (investigation) with carrying out the investigation and submit results within seven days.
The bench also ordered all surgical equipments be taken into possession and CCTV footage be produced before the court, adding paramedical staff be investigated too.
The court warned Javed of stern action if another incident of the same nature is reported from the hospital. The case was adjourned till Thursday (today).
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2013.
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