Suspected honour crime shocks Pindi

A 17-year-old first-year student was allegedly murdered in the name of honour and quietly buried within the limits of Rawalpindi's Jatli Police Station. After the case came to light, the victim's exhumation for a post-mortem has been scheduled for Tuesday (today).

In another case, five suspects, including the victim's brother-in-law, have been sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand in connection with the murder of a 21-year-old orphan girl who was sexually assaulted, poisoned, and buried.

According to police, on February 4, a DFC officer assigned to security duty at Jatli Police Station filed a report stating that on his patrol at Syed Adda, he received information that 17-year-old student N* had gone missing from her home at 8pm on March 3.

Her father and uncle set out to search for her and found her at Syed Adda, after which they took her home. However, the following day, news spread that the girl had passed away and was buried at a local cemetery. Authorities suspect that a family member may have poisoned or suffocated her in the name of honour and buried her to hide the crime.

Based on reports and the DFC's complaint, a daily diary entry was made under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and police sought permission for exhumation and post-mortem.

The court granted permission for the exhumation, which will take place Tuesday (today). The police and District Headquarters Hospital Rawalpindi have completed the necessary preparations. Officials stated that the post-mortem will help clarify the circumstances of the death.

In a separate case in the Natha Chattar area of Jatli, a 21-year-old orphan girl, living at her brother-in-law's house, was sexually assaulted and murdered before being buried. During the investigation, post-mortem findings revealed that the girl was pregnant, leading to the registration of a murder and concealment of evidence case.

Police arrested five individuals, including the girl's brother-in-law, Gulfaraz alias Gullo, her aunt, Gulzar Bibi, her cousin, Anila, a neighbour, Rafiq, and Wajahat, who frequently parked his car near the victim's house.

DNA samples from three male suspects were sent to the Forensic Science Agency, and evidence including poison tablets, clothing worn during poisoning, mobile phones, and a stick used for assault were recovered.

Police officials stated that after the investigation and evidence recovery, the suspects were presented in court and sent on judicial remand to jail. Authorities expect the DNA report to arrive in approximately two months.