Thatta Resident And Her Family Face Threats For Demanding Justice After Sexual Assault

Thatta Resident And Her Family Face Threats For Demanding Justice After Sexual Assault
Shehzadi, a resident of Garro town of district Thatta, has been through a terrifying ordeal, but it is not over for her or her family.

According to sources, she was subjected to brutal sexual assault by two residents identified as Ibrahim and Ramu Memon, after being abducted by them outside her house on Sunday. The offenders fled from there after leaving her in an unconscious condition in a deserted area. She was found by her relatives after a search of around two hours. Thereafter, she was rushed to a government health facility where doctors confirmed that she had been subjected to sexual assault.

As per the preliminary medical report, the victim had marks of violence on her body and some blood stains on her clothes as well. After the necessary formalities, a case of the incident was registered at the local police station under relevant provisions of Pakistan Penal Code 1860 and the police were successful in arresting the accused nominated in the FIR.

The father of the victim told local reporters on Tuesday that he and his other family members were being pressured to settle the issue, out of the court, for a sum of RS 500,000. He insisted that he would not “bargain over the honour of the innocent daughter.” He further stated that the accused had the patronage of a few influential persons in the area who did not want the culprits to be punished by the court of law. He demanded from the higher authorities a fair trial and protection for the family.

Civil society voices of district Thatta have expressed deep resentment over the incident and have called it a barbaric act. They urged the Sindh police chief and Chief Minister Sindh to take notice of the incident and ensure that justice is done.

The author is a practicing lawyer and freelance journalist. His areas of interest are cultural diversity and socio-political issues of Sindh.