Alleged rapist serial killer netted

Investigations SSP says suspect victim of rape himself

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi police have claimed to have made a significant breakthrough in their efforts by apprehending an alleged serial killer responsible for the rape and murder of three individuals, including two transgender persons.

The alleged perpetrator, Ali Hussain, would establish relationships with transgender persons before carrying out ‘heinous acts of violence’ against them. Following his third murder, the suspect was successfully arrested in Rahim Yar Khan and transferred to Rawalpindi. Shockingly, investigations revealed that the accused himself had been a victim of rape during his time as a seminary student in Rahim Yar Khan.

Speaking at a press conference held at Rawalpindi Police Lines, SSP Investigation Zunira Azfar revealed that Ali Hussain had ‘ruthlessly’ killed two transgender individuals within the jurisdiction of Sadiqabad Police Station over a span of two and a half months, subsequent to sexually assaulting them. Additionally, in 2020, the alleged perpetrator had raped and murdered the owner of a vehicle rental company.

She said taking cognisance of the rising incidents of killings of transgender persons in Rawalpindi, a dedicated team, led by Rawal SP was formed to investigate the matter.

Zunira Azfar further said equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the team successfully traced the suspect to Rahim Yar Khan, where he was apprehended and promptly transported to Rawalpindi.

According to the Investigation SSP, the accused also perpetrated the rape and murder of transgender individuals Zahoor, also known as Bebo, in February 2023, and Saif, alias Kamlu, in April 2023. Notably, the second victim had been a witness to the first murder. In both cases, the accused utilised the drawstrings of the slain transgender individuals to carry out the killings.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2023.