Judicial officer allegedly rapes litigant in chamber

KARACHI: An inquiry has been launched against a judicial officer of Sehwan, Jamshoro district for allegedly raping a woman, who appeared in his court in a case. According to credible sources, Sehwan police arrested Salma Birohi and Nisar Birohi from a guest house on January 13. Both had left their homes for free-will marriage. Both were produced before a judicial officer. According to Salma Birohi’s initial complaint lodged with the Sehwan police, the judicial officer directed his staff, police officials and others to leave his office and told her to come to his official chamber where he allegedly criminally assaulted her. Though no First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged, the police brought Salma to Abdullah Shah Medical Institute, Sehwan for medical examination. Local sources told this reporter that after the incident, senior judicial officer of the district initiated an inquiry against the said judicial officer for the alleged rape.

An officer-bearer of Taluka Bar Association, Sehwan and a senior lawyer told this reporter that he could not confirm the incident but he had learnt about the case and in this regard a senior judicial officer had also visited Sehwan two days back and inquired about the issue.

The same lawyer claimed that this was not the first time, as the same judicial officer was reported to have indulged in such acts in the past.

This reporter called up SSP Jamshoro Amjad Sheikh and SMSed him a message to get his version, but there was no response.

Dr. Qazi Mueen, Director Syed Abdullah Shah Medical Institute, told this reporter that he was unaware of the accused; however, a lady had been brought to his hospital by the police for medical examination.

He said samples had been collected and sent to laboratory for examination and a medical report will be issued soon.