The autopsy report of the 16-year-old domestic helper Akhtar, who was found dead at a PML-N MPA’s daughter’s house in the jurisdiction of Lahore’s Akbari Gate Police Station, revealed that he died of severe torture.
As per the report, there were 16 marks of torture on the deceased’s body. It added that he was kicked and beaten with a baton. There were marks of torture on genitalia, as well as some old marks of torture on his body.
Akhtar Ali, uncle of the deceased, said that the autopsy report has confirmed torture as the cause of death. He said, “My nephew was killed as a result of a strong blow on his genitals, but the police have not shown any interest in further investigations.” He said that they [their family] don’t want qisas, but justice. He requested the CM Shehbaz Sharif to direct the police in the provision of justice to the bereaved family. The victim’s sister 11-year-old Atiya—who, too, was tortured—went through a medical checkup under the supervision of Child Protection Bureau at a local hospital.
The concerned SP, Mubashir, said that police had recorded the statements of Atiya and victim’s family members. The investigation in charge, SI Ghulam Hussain, said that police cannot involve Fouzia in the investigation as she is on a pre-arrest bail. He further said there is no one at her house at the moment, but police will try to involve her once her bail period, till July 20, is over.
Deceased’s father, Aslam, said that it has been proven in the autopsy report that his child was beaten to death but police are not doing anything; instead, acting as silent spectators. He said they are being threatened to take the case back. He appealed to the chief minister for prompt arrest of the culprit followed by swift justice.
Earlier, PML-N MPA Shahjahan claimed that the cause of child’s death was some illness, not torture, which is contrary to the post-mortem report. She said the child was ill for some time but he did not want to go a doctor which led to his expiry. She claimed that there was no part of his daughter in his death.
Earlier, an FIR was registered at the P.S Akbari Gate under the section 302 by Aslam, father of the deceased. The FIR maintained that his son was murdered as a result of the torture. Aslam had only nominated the legislator’s daughter in his complaint and that police had constituted a team to arrest the suspect. The MPA’s daughter, however, Fouzia, obtained an interim bail till July 20.
Police told Akhtar was working as a domestic servant at the residence of MPA Shahjahan for the past three years along with his 11-year-old sister Atiya.
A few days ago, the MPA’s daughter sent Akhtar to the market to buy some utensils. Due to some unknown reasons, the boy returned from the market rather late in the day.
According to police, Fauzia got furious and began beating the boy and his sister with a club. The boy suffered severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, from where he was discharged after administration of first aid only. On Tuesday, the condition of the boy got deteriorated and he died in the house of the MPA.
Residents of the area called police when Atiya raised hue and cry regarding the murder of his brother. However, the MPA’s daughter fled from her house along with her family members. Police said they had collected evidence, recorded Atiya’s statement and moved Akhtar’s body to the morgue for autopsy.
