Man strangles wife to death

Accused killers’ fled scene and remain at large

CHICHAWATNI:

A woman was allegedly strangled to death by her in-laws on Tuesday. Marks of strangulation appeared as the victim was undergoing her last rites, prompting a criminal investigation.

Police said Samina married Mujahid Hussain Rehmani, a resident of Chak 20, 11L. A few months into the marriage, quarrels between Samina and her mother-in-law ensued, which would be resolved by local elders.

Mujahid Hussain, after consulting with his father and mother, allegedly killed Samina Bibi strangling her to death, reportedly aided by his brothers Dalwar Hussain and Babar Hussain. The village was informed that Samina Bibi suddenly died of natural causes in order to avoid suspicion.

Later, rope marks were visible on the deceased's neck as her body was being bathed, indicating foul play. SHO Ghaziabad police station Chaudhry Allah Dutta reached the spot upon reports from relatives of the deceased who came to participate in the funeral prayers and last rites.

He took the body into custody and had it shifted to the hospital for postmortem. All accused escaped the area after it was revealed that Samina was murdered. Police have registered a case upon the deceased's brother and started searching for the accused.

Samina is survived by a five-year-old son and a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Domestic violence remains frighteningly commonplace in Punjab. In September 2023, a man allegedly shot his wife and his sister-in-law dead over a domestic disagreement in Dijkot. The police took the bodies into custody, handed them over to their heirs and registered a case against the accused. The RPO took notice of the incident and requested a report from Faisalabad CPO.

Shehbaz, a resident of Chak No. 431 GB, contracted his second marriage with 30-year-old Nasreen Bibi one year ago. Due to a domestic dispute, Nasreen Bibi moved in with her sister Parveen Bibi in Chak No. 614/GB. Shehbaz came to settle the dispute, but Nasreen did not return home with him.

Late on Wednesday night, Shehbaz and his accomplices arrived at Parveen Bibi's house.

Shehbaz allegedly shot Nasreen Bibi and Parveen Bibi, while they were asleep, seriously injuring them. The victims succumbed to their injuries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2023.