Geeta’s Indian ‘family’ not hers

Two days ago, she had identified a family of a man and his wife in photos sent from across the border

KARACHI: The Indian family identified by Geeta as hers remembers their girl was married and had a child before she went missing over a decade ago. This raises questions as Geeta, now 23, would have been only 11 then.

Two days ago, the Indian woman had identified a family of a man and his wife, their four sons and a daughter in photos sent from across the border. Efforts to locate her family began in August after India accepted that Geeta was its citizen.

Read: Geeta recognises family from snapshots

Edhi Foundation’s Faisal Edhi says the girl was 11 years old when she was handed over to the Edhi shelter home by the Punjab Rangers. “Geeta denies getting married ever or having a son. She was herself a child when she came to us,” he added.

The family in Bihar has said that Geeta’s biological mother had passed away, and she was being raised by her stepmother when she went missing. Geeta recalls her father was old and walked with a stick.

The Edhis are now trying to arrange a Skype chat between Geeta and her supposed family.

Read: Pakistan fully cooperating with Indian High Commission for Geeta’s return: FO

“We would rely on the DNA test promised by the Indian government,” Faisal said. Geeta is leaving for India along with Bilquis Edhi on October 26.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2015.