Trans woman’s murder suspect flees to Punjab

Investigators say police team will go to Multan to catch Saima's alleged killer

KARACHI:

Police officials investigating the murder of a transgender person the Bilal Colony area of Korangi a few days ago revealed that the suspect has fled to Punjab.

Police officials have decided to despatch a team to Multan to arrest the suspect, who also happens to be a transgender person and roommate of the victim.

Police said that a case was registered against the suspect, Qaiser Fayyaz on behalf of the injured victim, Ghulam Mustafa who went by her adopted name, Saima, on the basis of her statement given to the police on the hospital bed.

Fayyaz had allegedly thrown acid on Saima during an argument at the victim's home on Wednesday evening. Saima died during treatment at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Burns Ward. Her body was sent to her hometown in Faisalabad for burial.

"Qaiser asked me why I have friendship with someone else before throwing an acid on me," Saima had told the police in her statement on the hospital bed. The easy access to acid, mostly used as drain opener, has made a lethal weapon in the hands of psychopathic jilted lovers. The fatal acid attack on Saima was the sixth such incident in the city in 45 days.

The latest acid attack took place at a house in Korangi's Bilal Colony area, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Awami Colony police station. Police and rescue workers took the victim to the burns ward of the Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

The deceased was identified as 47-yearold Ghulam Mustafa, alias Saima. Citing the initial investigation, SHO Safdar Mashwani said the trans woman lived at the house with another transgender person named Qaiser.

"They had been living together for the past three years," said the officer. "The tragic incident took place at the same house, where Qaiser threw acid on her and escaped." The SHO said Qaiser threw acid on Saima after an argument erupted between them over reasons yet to be ascertained. Police have registered a case against the suspect and are searching for him.