Man's suicide after wife's death sparks protest

Family accuses police of favouring suspects and failing to ensure fair investigation

RAWALPINDI:

Heirs staged a protest on Tuesday after a man allegedly took his own life, following the mysterious death of his wife, who had allegedly been harassed by moneylenders and extortionists in the limits of Gujar Khan Police Station.

According to police and family sources, the woman's husband, Shehraz Aftab, allegedly shot himself dead in highly suspicious circumstances. Following his death, the bereaved family staged a strong protest outside the ASP's office, parking the ambulance carrying his body in front of the building and accusing the police of bias and gross mishandling of the case.

The deceased's father levelled serious allegations of partiality against one of the investigating officers.

Saddar SP Anum Sher arrived at the scene and held prolonged discussions with the demonstrators, who demanded the suspension of the SHO and the entire investigative team. The SP assured the protestors that action would be taken against any officers found culpable after a formal inquiry, upon which the protest was brought to a peaceful end.

Meanwhile, a video statement recorded by the deceased prior to his death has surfaced, in which a visibly distressed and tearful Shehraz Aftab stated that he could no longer endure his ordeal.

According to initial reports, the woman, the mother of an 11-year-old daughter, had died a few days ago, allegedly after consuming a poisonous substance. In a video message recorded while in critical condition, the deceased woman named several individuals — including a local jeweller, an employee of a mobile finance company, a bank official, and another man - whom she held responsible for her suffering.

Following this, Aftab lodged an FIR against three accused - Adeel and his accomplices - alleging that they had extorted over 40 tolas of gold ornaments, cash, and prize bonds from his wife, charged usurious interest, and subjected her to sexual assault. The case was registered under sections pertaining to murder, extortion, and sexual violence.

The investigation was being conducted under the supervision of the Rawalpindi SSP Investigation, with Saddar SP, Gujar Khan ASP, the local SHO, and members of the investigation wing involved. Police arrested the three accused and obtained a seven-day physical remand for interrogation.

During questioning, police sources said evidence emerged suggesting there were outstanding financial transactions between the complainant's family and the accused, introducing further complexity into the case. On Monday, investigators confronted both parties face-to-face and recorded their statements.

However, the following day, reports emerged that Aftab had allegedly taken his own life at his residence. Police and rescue officials reached the scene, collected forensic evidence, and transported the body for medico-legal formalities.

Shortly afterwards, the deceased's family gathered outside the ASP's office, staging a demonstration against the police, alleging bias in the investigation. The victim's father claimed that the police had shown undue leniency towards the suspects, saying: "The accused were seated comfortably during questioning, while my son — the complainant — was made to stand throughout. He came home in tears, saying he now knew he would never get justice."

The protestors demanded that the case be transferred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and that the SHO and investigation officers be suspended.

Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and directed the Saddar SP to engage with the demonstrators. After more than an hour of negotiations, the family dispersed peacefully when assured that a transparent inquiry would be conducted and that officers found negligent or biased would face strict disciplinary action.

The family had initially refused to allow a post-mortem, but later consented on the condition that it would be carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedure.

In his final video message, recorded in a state of deep anguish, Aftab could be heard saying: "You all know my name — Shehraz Aftab. You know what happened to my wife and who was behind it: Adeel, Moosa, Jawad, and the lady from Daultala — along with Nazia and Saira from the UK - they are all responsible for my wife's death. I feel my own life is nearing its end. I cannot fight these powerful people. My friends and brothers have stood by me, but I know they will use money to change the case. My heart is broken. I reported exactly what my wife told me. Adeel, Jawad, and Moosa tormented her, lent her money on interest, blackmailed her — and now I can bear it no longer."

Police officials said that a comprehensive investigation into both deaths is currently underway, with the SSP Investigation personally supervising the inquiry.