ISLAMABAD: Today, the Islamabad police formed a five-member special Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the brutal torture of an underage domestic help in the capital.
On July 24, Rizwana, who is from Sargodha, was transferred to Lahore General Hospital in critical condition. Allegedly, the wife of a civil judge in Islamabad had severely tortured her, accusing her of stealing gold jewellery.
According to the girl’s medico-legal certificate (MLC), she had “laceration on head from vertex, on forehead, right side above eyebrow, swollen upper lips, laceration under upper lip on right side, broken left incisor and left canine, laceration on check, nose bleed, laceration on left side of vertex, multiple bruises on lower leg, fracture on right forearm, swollen left and right eyelids, bruise on right skull, laceration on back, multiple bruises on back and attempt on strangulation.”
On July 26, after initially showing reluctance, Islamabad police registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the case. Initially, they only charged the judge’s wife with criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement, without mentioning physical torture. However, later, they added eight more sections, including murder.
Earlier this week, an Islamabad district and sessions court granted pre-arrest bail to the suspect, identified as Somia Asim, until August 7.
Today, the capital police issued a notification stating that they have formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the torture case based on “sheer merit.”
The investigating team comprises Islamabad DIG (Operations) Shahzad Ahmad Bukhari, Counter Terrorism Department SSP Yasir Afridi, and SSP (Investigation) Rukhsar Mehdi. Additionally, it includes one representative each from the Inter-Services Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau.
The notification further added,“Besides investigating order, the convener of the JIT may co-opt any other member from the Islamabad police to assist the team in better evidence collection on professional lines.”
Teenager’s Legal Custody Obtained by Child Protection Bureau
On the other hand, the Punjab Child Protection Bureau has obtained legal custody of Rizwana.
In a press release issued today, the bureau chief, Sarah Ahmed, stated that Rizwana is currently undergoing treatment at the Lahore General Hospital. “The Child Protection Bureau will ensure her complete protection,” she promised.
She added that the bureau would take additional measures concerning the teenager’s education and overall well-being once she has recovered.
Ahmed added, “The bureau is committed to providing all essential facilities, including education, healthcare, and shelter, to children who are victims of violence.”
Government Raises Alarm Over the Incident
During a Senate session today, the government expressed alarm over the incident and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. It also urged the House to legislate on child torture.
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said the issue was not small, while addressing the session. “Everyone knows that the girl became a victim to the power of a civil judge … today she is in the ICU and is fighting for her life.”
She expressed her distress at the “relief” given to the suspect by the courts when “someone is misusing their powers unfairly” and questioned its fairness. She further asked, “Why is Rizwana not receiving justice? Why are the courts not taking notice of this?”
Sherry added, “This incident is very alarming and we need to find out how it took place right under our nose.”
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the government has drafted some laws to protect children.
“I think we need to seriously cater to this issue,” he stressed, adding that the government would soon present some draft bills in the Senate.
