Young widow, relative brutally murdered by community in Manghopir

Lynch mob found both of them alone in a room late at night

KARACHI:

A young widow, Shehzadi, and her relative, Nawab Khan, fell victim to a brutal murder at the hands of their community after being found alone in her room late on Sunday night in the Pashtun locality of Khairabad in Manghopir. One of the assailants, Ali Khan, nephew of Nawab Khan, took responsibility for the heinous act and surrendered before the police.

The Karachi Police, responding swiftly, reached the scene and transported the bodies to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital using Edhi and Chippa ambulances.

As per the medico-legal report and confessional statement of the suspect, the victims were bludgeoned with iron pipes with sever blows to eyes and head before being shot multiple times from close range.

The 25-year-old Nawab Khan, son of Hakeem Khan, and the 30-year-old widow Shehzadi widow of Sher Gul, were identified as the unfortunate victims.

According to relatives at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Shehzadi had been widowed a year and a half ago, leaving her with three daughters and a son. Despite offers for remarriage, she expressed her desire to dedicate her life to her children. Both Shehzadi and Nawab Khan belonged to the same family and tribe in Waziristan, sparking suspicions among other relatives about their relationship.

The deceased were closely monitored, with reports confirming that they often shared a room at night. On the fateful night, Nawab Khan visited Shehzadi's house, leading to a gruesome attack by the deceased's nephew, Ali Khan, and other relatives. The assailants brutally tortured the victims with an iron pipe, later shooting them in the face and eyes.

Following a unanimous decision by relatives, Ali Khan reported the incident to the police, surrendering at the crime scene. The police apprehended him, collecting evidence and transferring the bodies for legal proceedings. Witnesses described a horrific scene, with the victims' organs displayed on the room's wall alongside blood stains.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2023.