'Honour killing' case takes grisly turn

In a disturbing development in the Khairpur honour killing case, the body of a woman whose murder was previously recorded and circulated on social media was reportedly dug out from her grave in a village in Tando Masti, where she had been buried without religious rites, and is believed to have been disturbed by stray dogs.

Police said the victim, Rubina Chandio alias Khalida, was allegedly shot dead in a case of suspected honour killing. The incident had remained concealed for nearly a week until a video of the killing surfaced online, triggering widespread outrage and police action.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khairpur Amir Saud Magsi visited the site and confirmed that the matter is under investigation. He said multiple suspects had already been arrested, including close relatives of the deceased.

According to officials, at least 18 people have been taken into custody, among them the victim's maternal uncle and grandfather. The prime accused, Qaisar Chandio, allegedly confessed before a judicial magistrate and was sent to jail on judicial remand, while another suspect, Wali Muhammad Chandio, has been handed over to police for further interrogation.

Police further stated that individuals who allegedly witnessed, filmed, or facilitated the crime, including those involved in arranging weapons, have also been arrested. The case has been registered on behalf of the state, with multiple suspects named in the FIR.

The victim's mother expressed deep anguish, saying she was not allowed to see her daughter's face before burial and demanded the strictest punishment for all those involved, including alleged facilitators. She also accused local police of negligence and alleged that officers at the Tando Masti police station were aware of the incident but failed to act.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar condemned the rising incidents of honour killings in the province, calling them unacceptable and rooted in outdated traditions. Speaking to the media, he said such acts violate the law and human rights and warned against illegal parallel justice systems such as jirgas. He also referred to another recent alleged suicide case of a medical student in Mirpurkhas, describing it as alarming and part of a broader social crisis. The minister stressed the need for stronger legislation and faster judicial processes to ensure timely justice in such cases.