Khairpur maid case: Exhumation, postmortem of 9-year-old girl’s body completed

KHAIRPUR In a significant turn of the exhumation and postmortem analysis of the body of a nine-year-old girl, Fatima, who tragically lost her life in Sindh's Khairpur due to alleged torture, have taken place.

Fatima, who was working as a domestic maid at a local mansion owned by influential figure Pir Asad Shah, was found dead under mysterious circumstances earlier this week. As the investigation into her death unfolded, her mother, Shabnam Khatoon, filed a case at Ranipur police station under Sections 302 (intentional murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The Sindh government took further action by forming a four-member medical board to oversee the exhumation and post-mortem analysis of Fatima's body. This procedure was carried out at a graveyard in the Naushahro Feroz district, where she was laid to rest.

Dr. Memon, a member of the medical board, provided insights into the process. With the assistance of two experts—one from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) and the other from the Karachi health department—the procedure spanned the day. Dr. Zakiuddin Bhatti, a forensic medicine specialist, and Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon from Karachi, were also present. Moreover, the Sindh health services deputy director general provided administrative support.

Around 100 individuals, including police officials, district administration representatives, health department personnel, and their support staff, participated in the process. The aim was to gather factual information about the cause of Fatima's death for a comprehensive understanding of the case.

The medical board preserved the body's viscera for chemical analysis, and a provisional report is expected to be ready by the end of the day.

The case initially revolved around claims by Fatima's father, Nadeem Ali Phariro, that she had a stomach-related ailment. She was taken to a private hospital but unfortunately passed away after being discharged.

However, suspicions of torture arose when videos displaying marks of abuse on a girl went viral. Police took action and arrested a key suspect, Pir Asad Shah, who was remanded into custody. The case further deepened with the arrest of other individuals for interrogation.

The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) intervened and identified significant gaps in the First Information Report (FIR). The SHRC highlighted the omission of crucial sections related to child protection, bonded labor, and torture. The commission called for the inclusion of these sections in the FIR to ensure justice and the protection of human rights.

The case continues to unfold, as legal proceedings and investigations strive to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.

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