Immolation victim's statement sways court

Judge denies post-arrest bail to domestic violence victim's father-in-law

ISLAMABAD:

Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Asif Mehmood has rejected the post-arrest bail plea of the father-in-law of deceased Sania Bibi, in the case involving her alleged immolation within the jurisdiction of Kirpa Police Station.

During the hearing, the legal team representing the deceased, comprising Advocate Munir Ahmed, Advocate Aimen Malik and Advocate Muhammad Sohail presented Sania's recorded dying statement as key evidence. The video was played directly from a mobile device in the courtroom.

In the harrowing video, Sania Bibi recounted the events leading up to her death, stating,

"There was a quarrel in the evening. I was beaten. My father-in-law verbally abused me. I ran outside for help, but my husband followed. Witnesses saw him drag me back inside. My father-in-law poured petrol over me and set me on fire. Afterward, he walked out from one door and my husband escaped from the other. I was left burning, screaming in pain. Hours later, water was poured over me. No one helped or took me to the hospital for nearly two hours. On the way to the hospital, they threatened me and told me to say it was a gas cylinder blast. They even removed the jewellery from my ears. At the hospital, I was denied water until the doctor ordered it. They kept threatening me, warning not to inform my brothers or they would harm me and my child. My child is still with them. My condition is because of my husband and father-in-law."

Advocate Munir Ahmed argued that Sania's statement clearly identifies the accused and added that granting bail would endanger the life of the couple's 11-year-old son, who remains in the family's custody. He also referenced 35 relevant legal precedents to support the bail denial. After hearing all arguments, the court ruled to dismiss the victim's father-in-law, Mustasib's bail plea.

Sania Bibi succumbed to her injuries at PIMS Hospital after battling severe burn wounds for over a month.