Missing Priya Kumari

The disturbing case of missing seven-year-old Priya Kumari has sparked a wave of concern and action from her parents and civil society, who have reiterated their demands for transparency and urgency in the investigation. During a protest sit-in at Teen Talwar in Karachi last week, they called on the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar to provide a concrete timeline for Priya’s safe recovery. The organisers of the protest have already cautioned about the ‘verbal’ assurances, given by the JIT and the Sindh home minister during the meeting held on July 20, about making earnest efforts for Priya’s recovery not ending up fruitless.

Priya, a Hindu girl, went missing from Sangrar village in Sukkur district of Sindh on August 19, 2021, while serving sherbet at a stall – popularly referred to as sabeel – on Muharram 9th. Her whereabouts have since remained unknown. In a meeting at the Chief Minister House, the JIT shared their progress, and the home minister announced an increase in the monetary reward for information on Priya’s whereabouts from Rs5 million to Rs10 million. However, the JIT could not provide a concrete commitment on when Priya would be recovered. Priya’s parents submitted a written application demanding a clear deadline for her recovery and a transparent investigation, but the home minister refused to give a written acknowledgment.

The parents and protest organisers have welcomed the JIT’s progress but emphasise that vague commitments have eroded trust in the Sindh police. The urgency of Priya’s case cannot be overstated. The authorities must act swiftly and transparently to reunite her with her family and restore faith in the justice system. Additionally, the rampant feudal culture in our society, where the vulnerable, including women and children, are victimised with impunity, needs to be addressed. The deteriorating law and order situation exacerbates these issues, highlighting the need for systemic reforms and stringent measures to protect the most vulnerable.