Police detain husband of deceased TikToker

The investigation into a tragic incident involving the discovery of a female TikToker, Ayesha Hanif's, body at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) is currently underway.

Police have taken into custody Ayesha's husband, Muhammad Adil and his mother Nusrat Sobia. Police found discrepancies in the statements of the deceased's mother-in-law and detained her for further questioning.

According to police officials, the woman's remains will be handed over to either her father or her husband, and a case will be registered based on the complaint filed by the respective party. If the father declines, the case will be registered on the mother's complaint.

It has been revealed that the woman was attending a private party at a closed house in DHA, Phase I, the owner of which has yet to come forward. Notably, the house is currently unoccupied, and the owner will also be quizzed.

Further details have emerged regarding the ongoing investigation into the incident involving the deceased TikToker, identified as Ayesha Hanif, whose body was discovered at the JPMC on Saturday morning.

The District South Police have obtained a comprehensive statement from Nusrat Sobia, the mother-in-law of the deceased.

In her statement, she revealed that she has resided in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on rent for the past 16 years. She had been in her hometown of Gujarat for the previous week and immediately returned to Karachi upon learning of her daughter-in-law's tragic demise through news channels.

She further shared that her elder son, Mohammad Adil, used to work as a taxi driver until six months ago but is currently jobless. Regrettably, Adil has been battling drug addiction and frequently absents himself from home for several days. Ayesha had been married to Adil for two years and used to reside with her mother-in-law while working at a beauty salon. The mother-in-law emphasised, "We bear no ill will towards anyone and do not wish to initiate any legal proceedings."

Despite the mother-in-law's heartfelt request, the police have declined to hand over the deceased's body to her.

According to SSP South Asad Raza, the mother-in-law has refused to pursue legal action. Consequently, the authorities will either hand over the woman's remains to her father, Muhammad Hanif, or her husband, Adil.

SSP South further explained that Ayesha's mother has passed away, leaving her with five sisters and one brother.

A case will be registered based on the father's complaint, but if the father does not proceed with the registration, the government will take the necessary steps.

Preliminary information suggests that Ayesha was attending a private party at a closed house in DHA, Phase 1. Astonishingly, the house remains unoccupied, and the owner has yet to make themselves known. The owner of the house will also be questioned in the case. The police are actively engaged in a search for Sehrish and Gibran, the individuals who fled the scene after leaving Ayesha's lifeless body at the JPMC. Despite conducting late-night raids at various locations, the authorities have yet to apprehend them.

The South District Police are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to swiftly bring these absconding suspects to justice, ensuring that the case can progress efficiently. The SSP South affirmed their determination to hold all those responsible accountable through a meticulous investigation.

The deceased TikToker's husband, Adil, who is unfortunately grappling with drug addiction, is currently missing and remains a person of interest sought by the police.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2023.