Court extends Farah Zehra’s judicial remand

Motorway car-hit suspect contends she is victim of mistaken identity

RAWALPINDI:

A court in Rawalpindi extended the judicial remand of a female driver accused of allegedly attempting to run over a police officer on the motorway to evade a challan.

Civil Judge Dr Muhammad Mumtaz Hanjara, expressing dissatisfaction with the investigating officer, has directed him to present the challan on the upcoming court date.

However, a new twist has emerged in this contentious case. The accused, Farah Zahra, has vehemently denied the allegations stemming from the motorway incident. She contends that she is not the culprit but rather a victim of mistaken identity, suggesting that her doppelgänger might be the actual perpetrator.

In a move, she has opted to represent herself in court, emphasising her innocence in the matter.

Farah Zahra has raised serious concerns about her treatment while in custody. She alleged that the police were deliberately delaying the filing of the challan against her, leading to retaliatory actions against her in jail. She claims to be enduring constant harassment and sleep deprivation, advocating for a transfer to a secure location such as a protected house or a rest house designated as a sub-jail.

"I am not responsible for the accident. The real culprit is at large, and I have been ensnared due to a resemblance in appearance," Farah Zahra asserted in court. She expressed frustration over her inability to meet with the jail superintendent to address the alleged mistreatment she faces behind bars.

During the court proceedings, the judge inquired about visitors to the accused in jail, to which Farah Zahra responded that apart from her brother's visit, she has been isolated for the past twenty-one days. When asked about her husband, she revealed a stark reality faced by many women in similar circumstances, stating that married women are often overlooked in jail proceedings.

The courtroom exchange also delved into the presence of surveillance cameras, with Farah Zahra questioning their purpose and whether they were monitoring her specifically. The judge clarified that the cameras are standard in courtrooms for monitoring proceedings.

While the court acknowledged the accused's concerns, it stated that it lacked the authority to relocate her to a rest house for protection. However, it reiterated the importance of submitting the challan promptly and directed the investigating officer to do so by May 25, hinting at a potential expedited trial once the challan is filed.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2024.