PHOTO: AFP
Kiran*, who was found with her throat slit open on Sunday, went missing from her house Saturday night when her family was at a wedding.
Speaking to The Express Tribune on Wednesday, Investigation Officer Ilyas Khan said the suspects were named by Kiran’s family in the FIR. Two suspects, Bilal and Sadiq who are residents of Mushtarzai, Badabher, have been arrested. Their accomplice Dr Sadaqat was still in the wind.
Ilyas added, “The three accused are brothers; Sadaqat is a doctor posted at a hospital in Badabher.” The official said, “He will be arrested soon.” The suspects were given in police custody for two days by the court for interrogation, he added.
According to Ilyas, “The victim was a student of grade eight and went missing from the house on February 13. She was found dead on February 14 with her throat cut.”
Sounding out his suspicions, he added, “The girl was left alone at home even though it was her cousin’s marriage.”
The day Kiran’s body was found, a Banamarhi police officer had said they suspected rape but were waiting on autopsy results. Ilyas said they were still waiting for the official report. “We filed an FIR of a murder case.”
Over honour?
A senior police official requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune, “We suspect it could be a case of honour killing or a close relative was involved in it.” He pointed out, “Bilal would often call the girl but he denied his involvement in the kidnapping, rape and murder of the victim.”
The official argued as an outsider, Bilal could not have possibly entered the house; this could have only been done by a close relative of the girl.
“These facts are cause for suspicion. The girl, who was just a child, was left alone in the house. This area needs to be properly investigated in the case,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2016.
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