Police suspect murder as minister takes notice of newlywed girl’s death

Sindh Minister for Women Development Shahina Sher Ali on Wednesday took notice of an incident in which the body of a newlywed teenage girl was found under suspicious circumstances in Badar Commercial apartment in Phase V, DHA.

The minister sought a detailed report from police regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of 17-year-old Zainab. Initial findings suggested that the girl had got married last month. The police said she had been staying at the residence of a relative of her husband during a visit to Karachi. Her husband was currently in Kotri for professional training.

The police further stated that the victim’s father, who served in the Sindh Police and was posted at the Airport Police station, was informed about the incident by the husband’s relative over a phone call.

According to preliminary reports from the police and hospital authorities, the circumstances of the death appeared suspicious and might indicate murder. Ali had directed the police to conduct a transparent investigation from all angles and take strict legal action against anyone found responsible for the incident.

Police have registered a case against unknown suspects and also detained a relative on suspicion of murdering Zainab. The body of 17-year-old Zainab, wife of Zain, was found on the night between Monday and Tuesday on the rooftop of a building located at Plot No. 7C, Badr Commercial. The body was discovered with a dupatta around her neck. Police initially suspected suicide; however, the post-mortem examination confirmed that Zainab died due to strangulation.

Darakhshan police later registered an FIR under murder charges on the complaint of her father, Abdul Jabbar. Police said Abdul Jabbar is a serving police officer posted at the Airport police station. He stated that his daughter had been temporarily staying at the home of her husband’s maternal aunt.

According to relatives at the residence, Zainab went to the rooftop Monday evening and did not return for a long time. Later, she was found unconscious with signs of strangulation. The complainant stated that he firmly believed his daughter was murdered by unknown persons for reasons yet to be determined.

According to SHO Shahid Taj, the victim’s cousin, Abdul Hadi, the son of the aunt with whom Zainab was staying, has been detained for questioning as a suspect. Police have also included several others in the investigation. The victim’s body has been transported by the family to Narowal, Punjab, for burial.