Family of deceased house help protests for justice

16-year-old Paria was found hanging with ceiling fan at bungalow in DHA Phase VI

KARACHI:

The family of the domestic help, 16-year-old Paria Kumari, who was found dead at a bungalow in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase VI, staged a protest at Kala Pul and outside the Karachi Press Club, demanding justice for her.

The on-going investigation by the Darakhshan police station has led to the arrest of the cook and the driver of the house, while the house's owner, Dr Shahroz, has been included in the investigations. Their DNA samples have also been obtained.

On May 12, the body of Paria Kumari, was found in a bungalow on Khayaban-e-Bukhari, DHA VI. Her body was taken to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The final post-mortem report is pending the results of the chemical examination.

A case of murder was registered at the Darakhshan police station on May 15, following a complaint by the deceased's father, Hera Bheel. The complainant told the police that he had spoken to his daughter on the phone the day before she was found dead, and she did not sound upset or distressed enough to commit suicide.

"The owners of the house were responsible for my daughter's safety," he added. Hera alleged that the killers have been trying to make the incident look like a suicide. "Action should be taken against the killers of my daughter," he said.

On Sunday, the family and relatives of the deceased girl protested at Kala Pul, causing a traffic blockage on Korangi Road. They also protested at the Karachi Press Club, demanding the immediate arrest of the killers.

The protestors said that more than a week has passed, but the cause of Paria's death has not been revealed yet. It is clear that the police are trying to protect the killer.

Darakhshan police station Inspector Yasin Gujjar told The Express Tribune that the body of the deceased house help was found hanging from a ceiling fan and that the owners of the bungalow were not home.

Inspector Gujjar further stated that the cook and the driver working in the bungalow had been arrested after the family of the deceased expressed suspicion.

Paria's family has also expressed their doubts about the owner of the house, Dr Shahroz, who has obtained anticipatory bail from the court. The police are investigating him, and his DNA samples have been obtained.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar expressed his sorrow over the incident and ordered a comprehensive inquiry by DIG South.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2024.