Authorities are treating the tragic death of a teenage domestic helper in a DHA residence on May 12 as a potential rape and murder case, deviating from initial suspicions of suicide.
The 17-year-old girl was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan using a dupatta in the residence of a doctor in Khayaban-i-Bukhari, Phase-VI. Despite the appearance of suicide, police commenced an investigation based on circumstantial evidence hinting at foul play.
Doctors at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre conducted a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. While awaiting the final autopsy report, DIG-South Syed Asad Raza revealed that initial findings suggested the victim had been subjected to sexual assault, heightening suspicions of a homicidal or unnatural death.
The DIG emphasised that a conclusive opinion would be reached after further investigation and the receipt of the final post-mortem report. He instructed the DSP-Darakhshan to record statements from the victim’s parents to initiate a case of murder and rape against the suspect(s).
According to Police Surgeon Summaiya Syed, post-mortem findings indicated ligature marks partially encircling the neck, along with injuries to the mouth, back of the neck, and eye, strongly indicating sexual assault.
Investigations unveiled the victim’s emotional involvement with an unidentified boy, allegedly involved in blackmailing her. Efforts are ongoing to locate the boy, and all aspects of the case will be thoroughly scrutinised once the parents file an FIR.
Sindh Minister for Women Development Shaheena Sher Ali intervened in the case, urging police to take action if the victim’s parents fail to come forward to file a case, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
