Maid Torture Case: Islamabad police constitute 5-member JIT to probe the brutal torture of an underage domestic help

Islamabad police on Friday constituted a five-member joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the brutal torture of an underage domestic help Rizwana.

14-year-old Rizwana, who hails from Sargodha, was shifted to Lahore General Hospital in critical condition on July 24.

The investigating team is headed by Islamabad DIG (Operations) Shahzad Ahmad Bukhari, Counter Terrorism Department SSP Yasir Afridi, SSP (Investigation) Rukhsar Mehdi, and one representative each of the Inter-Services Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau.

Islamabad police in a notification said it had formed a JIT to investigate the torture case on “sheer merit”

“Besides investigating order, the convener of the JIT may co-opt any other member from the Islamabad police to assist the team in better evidence collection on professional lines,” the notification states.

The wife of a civil judge in Islamabad allegedly assaulted the young maid after accusing her of stealing gold jewelry.

According to Rizwana’s medico-legal certificate (MLC), she had “laceration on the head from the vertex, on the forehead, right side above the eyebrow, swollen upper lips, laceration under the upper lip on the right side, broken left incisor and left canine, a laceration on the check, nose bleed, a laceration on the left side of vertex, multiple bruises on the lower leg, fracture on right forearm, swollen left and right eyelids, bruise on the right side of the skull, a laceration on back, multiple bruises on back and attempt on strangulation.”

Islamabad police had registered a first information report in the case on July 26 after showing reluctance.

Initially, the police booked the judge’s wife for criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement, without mentioning physical torture in the FIR.

Later, eight more sections, including murder were added to the FIR.

Punjab Child Protection Bureau obtains legal custody of Rizwana

In the latest development, the Punjab Child Protection Bureau has obtained legal custody of Rizwana.

In a press release issued on Friday, bureau chief Sarah Ahmed said Rizwana was currently receiving treatment at the Lahore General Hospital.

“The Child Protection Bureau will ensure her complete protection,” she maintained.

She added that the bureau would further take further steps regarding the teenager’s education and overall well-being after her recovery.

“The bureau is committed to providing all essential facilities, including education, healthcare, and shelter, to children who are victims of violence,” the Punjab Child Protection Bureau chief added.