Protest demands justice for Shanti

Medical staff accused of stuffing cotton in wounds, delaying treatment, destroying evidence

KARACHI:

A protest was staged outside the Karachi Press Club by the Women's Action Forum (WAF) and Aurat March on Monday, demanding justice for 19-year-old Shanti, who was allegedly killed due to torture and brutal sexual violence by her husband.

Uzma Noorani, a senior member of WAF, said, "Shanti's tragic death is a reminder of the deep-rooted gender violence in our society." Activist Anita Panchwani added that when WAF members visited the trauma centre, they were shown graphic images of Shanti's internal injuries. "Her abdomen was ruptured, and private hospital staff reportedly attempted to wash her wounds to destroy evidence. Even when her family tried to visit her, they were denied access under the pretext of infection risk."

Renowned poet Atiya Dawood highlighted the victim's background, saying, "Shanti came from a working-class family. She married with hope and trust, only to face unimaginable cruelty. On June 17, her husband assaulted her brutally. She was taken to a private hospital by her in-laws, where her injuries were allegedly concealed rather than treated properly."

During a press conference held by WAF at the press club, speakers condemned the failure of law enforcement and medical institutions to protect her. Protesters demanded not only the arrest and punishment of Shanti's husband, Ashok, and his family but also legal proceedings against the doctors who allegedly showed gross negligence in her treatment.

Faeza, another WAF member, questioned why hospitals are still refusing treatment in such cases. "Under the 2019 Amal Umer Act, hospitals are required to provide emergency care without delay or police paperwork. Yet Shanti was repeatedly denied proper medical attention and was transported in a rickshaw instead of an ambulance."

Shanti's sister-in-law, Sonia, emotionally recounted the family's ordeal. "We married her off with joy, not knowing her husband was a monster. When we saw her again, she was covered in blood. Hospitals delayed treatment and refused to involve the police. They even stuffed cotton into her wounds and stitched them shut without providing basic care."