Court grants four-day remand in maid’s murder case

Rawalpindi:A Judicial Magistrate in Rawalpindi, Muhammad Imran Qureshi, has approved a four-day physical remand for Rashid Shafiq, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of 12-year-old domestic worker Iqra. The court has also sent his wife, Sana, to Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The police have been directed to complete Shafiq's DNA testing during the remand period. The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.

The police presented the couple in court, alleging that they tortured and murdered Iqra over a dispute involving their daughter's chocolate, worth Rs20. During the hearing, Magistrate Qureshi ordered the recovery of the murder weapon. Under tight security, Bani police produced the suspects and their alleged accomplice, Rubina Naveed, before the court.

Upon the police’s request, the court placed Rubina Naveed on a 14-day judicial remand, stating that her initial interrogation had been completed. She will be presented in court again on February 27.

The police also sought a five-day extension of Shafiq and Sana's remand to recover the murder weapon. However, the court only granted four days and instructed investigators to submit the accused’s DNA report.

Initial investigations revealed that the couple accused Iqra of stealing their daughter's chocolate. Neighbours reported that during the assault, Iqra repeatedly pleaded her innocence, insisting that their daughter had eaten it. However, the couple ignored her cries and continued the brutal attack. They beat the child with a rolling pin, escalating the violence as she screamed for help. Police informed the court that they need time to map the crime scene and record witness statements. The investigation is ongoing.