Child maid dies of ‘torture’
In a deeply distressing incident, a 10-year-old maid passed away under mysterious circumstances at the residence of an influential person in Khairpur district’s Ranipur in Sindh province.
Police have arrested the house owner, Pir Asad Shah Jilani. Meanwhile, DIG Sukkur Javeed Jiskani has ordered to suspend SHO Ranipur on his negligence in fulfiling the orders to exhume the body for the post-mortem.
Initial findings reveal that the unfortunate incident took place within the premises of Pir Asad Shah Jilani’s house. According to police sources, CCTV footage from the house’s bedroom has been obtained, revealing the distressed condition of 10-year-old Fatima.
Marks of torture are clearly visible on the victim’s body in other footage that went viral over social media following the tragic incident.
Initially, the mother of the deceased stated in her testimony that her daughter was working at Shah’s house when she passed away. The parents of the girl denied any occurrence of torture, claiming that Fatima was ill and receiving treatment. Later, the mother of the girl, while speaking to the media, changed her statement saying that her daughter was tortured to death, adding that her two other daughters are still in custody of Asad Shah, the Pir of Haveli. According to journalist Riyaz Sohail, the police played a significant role in silencing the relatives of the victim.
Meanwhile, SSP Khairpur Mir Rohal took notice of the incident and ordered ASP Gambat Nauman Zafar to investigate the incident.
Dr Abdul Fatah Memon, who apparently treated the minor girl at a private hospital, stated that she was suffering from gastroenteritis and they only provided medical treatment.
SSP Khairpur said police will approach a local court for exhumation and post-mortem of the minor girl. Meanwhile, Jilani told the police in his statement that no violence was inflicted upon the victim, and she lived in the house like a “family member”.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2023.