Police collect DNA samples of suspects in minor’s rape case

Five-year-old was raped, sodomised and later dumped in Korangi

KARACHI: Police have collected the samples for the DNA profiling of the three suspects detained over their possible involvement in a minor girl’s rape.

Five-year-old S* was found dumped in a causeway in Korangi Industrial Area in semiconscious state after she was subjected to severe sexual assault, involving rape and sodomy. Apparently, her assailants had tried to murder her after carrying out the sexual assault, said police officials.

The police have detained around eight suspects during crackdowns in Korangi and Ibrahim Hyderi. However, the investigators are focusing on three suspects. “We suspect that someone from these three could have been behind the incident,” said investigation officer Kamaluddin. “We have collected their samples for DNA profiling, which will be used to match with the victim’s DNA profile.” The officer said that the samples will be sent to Jamshoro University on Monday.

Police said that they have yet to record the statement of S while they have recorded the statements of the family. “The family have refused to nominate anyone in the case,” said Ibrahim Hyderi police station’s investigation officer Rana Munir. “The case is blind right now but the suspects detained from the neighbourhood are likely to be behind the incident, who attempted to kill the victim due to fear of apprehension.”

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice on Friday, directing Sindh IG Allah Dino Khawaja to submit a report. However, the investigators remained unable to make any major breakthrough.

The rape survivor is being treated at Civil hospital. Police have also made arrangements for her security to avoid any untoward incident. She is recovering fast, said doctors, adding that she is fully conscious and her injuries are healing.  Despite repeated attempts, the family was unwilling to talk on the issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2017.