Woman dies after alleging sexual assault by husband

A woman who had accused her husband of subjecting her to unnatural sexual acts died during treatment at Nishtar Hospital after police allegedly failed to act on her complaint, prompting disciplinary action against senior police officials on the orders of the Punjab chief minister and inspector general of police.

Police and family sources said the woman, a resident of Chak 74/B Fifteen-1 near Khanewal, had married Asif Ali Gujjar around three months ago.

The woman was reportedly suffering from a rectal prolapse condition and had also lost a two-month pregnancy.

Police sources said the woman had submitted an application at Chabb Kalan Police Station alleging that her husband had used drugs and medication before forcing unnatural sexual acts upon her, worsening her medical condition.

However, the complainant's family alleged that no action was taken on the application by then SHO Zeeshan Malik.

Later, after SHO Ramzan Gul was posted at the station, the matter allegedly continued to face delays despite the woman remaining under treatment at Nishtar Hospital in Multan.

The family subsequently contacted the Punjab Police helpline 1787, but alleged that the DSP concerned also failed to respond effectively to the complaint.

The woman's condition deteriorated over the following days and she later died after infection reportedly spread through her body.

Following her death, police registered a case against her husband under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

On the directions of the Punjab IG, DSP Mian Channu Mirza Siddiq was suspended over alleged negligence, while both SHOs were suspended.