Inmate’s rape, killing shocks Adiala

Prisons IG forms high-level interrogation body, suspends four officials

RAWALPINDI:

In a shocking incident, a 34-year-old inmate detained in the Adiala Central Jail on drug-related charges was allegedly raped and killed by four fellow inmates.

According to prison sources, the Punjab Prisons Inspector General (IG) has taken note of the grave incident and established a high-level investigation committee to probe the matter.

They said following an initial inquiry conducted by Rawalpindi DIG Rana Abdul Rauf, the four officers including the night duty officer, assistant night officer, night patrolling officer, and ward in charge have been suspended, pending further action based on the investigation and post-mortem reports.

Authorities have decided to exhume the deceased’s body to verify the sexual assault allegations.

According to a complaint filed by Adiala Central Jail’s Superintendent Asad Javed Waraich with the Saddar Beroni police station, the accused, identified as Waqas, Asif, Naqash, and Bilal, allegedly raped and killed Sabeel. The accused tied the victim’s hands and feet, placed a cloth noose around his neck after the assault, and killed him, the complainant alleged. The superintendent reported that the deceased was given medication for shortness of breath between the night of December 31 and January 1. Sabeel was found unconscious in Cell No 2 on the morning of January 1 and confirmed dead upon transfer to the jail hospital.

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The case raised suspicions due to marks on the victim’s neck. Sources further said eyewitnesses claimed they were threatened by the accused to remain silent.

Moreover, the investigation committee, comprising members from other districts, will scrutinise staff members responsible for security in Cell No 2 and lay facts bare.

The deceased, Sabeel Karamat, had been incarcerated for drug-related offences. Other accused in his cell were also imprisoned for various drug recovery cases.

When contacted, Adiala Jail Superintendent Asad Javed Waraich, confirmed the incident, stating that Sabeel was strangled to death by four accused in the AIDS ward of Adiala Central Jail. The suspicion of sexual assault will be clarified after the post-mortem examination.

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“The Saddar Beroni police station has registered a case (1/24) based on our complaint, encompassing charges of murder (Section 302) and alleged rape (Section 375A).”

He further said legal proceedings are underway to interrogate the four accused, who are expected to appear in court for remand.

Adiala Jail, known for its overcrowded conditions, is undergoing expansion with the approval of a new district jail by the Punjab government to address the issue of overcrowding.

The problem of overcrowding at Adiala Jail remains the same despite politicians of every hue having spent time at the Rawalpindi prison.

Last year, a Senate panel was informed that the prison, with a capacity of a little over 2,000 prisoners, had more than 7,000 inmates.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2024.