Hina Javed murder: Court extends husband, servant remand

RAWALPINDI: A Rawalpindi court has extended the physical remand of the husband and domestic worker accused in the alleged murder of 45-year-old Hina Javed.

Judicial Magistrate Rana Shahnawaz Khan granted police an additional three days to question Sohail Asghar and Zeeshan. The two suspects were presented before the court on Wednesday amid tight security.

The court directed investigators to complete the probe as soon as possible and submit the challan after gathering the remaining evidence. The suspects will be produced before the court again on August 28.

During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the court that Hina’s post-mortem report had been received. He said the final challan would be prepared after the DNA report was obtained.

The officer told the court that forensic DNA samples of both suspects had already been collected and sent for examination.

The victim’s family was represented by lawyer Shah Khawar. Hina’s brothers and other relatives also attended the proceedings.

During the hearing, one of the suspects allegedly acted as though he was mentally unwell. The court reprimanded him over his conduct.

Police informed the court that both suspects had already completed the three-day physical remand granted during the previous hearing.

Hina’s father-in-law, Asghar Ali, a retired senior official, has also been included in the investigation as a co-accused. Police said he claimed to have no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Hina found dead at in-laws’ home

The case came to light after Hina was found dead at her in-laws’ residence. Her father-in-law had reportedly informed police that burglars had entered the house.

When police reached the property, they found Hina’s body in the bathroom. Her hands were allegedly tied behind her back and her body was found attached to a shower.

The unusual circumstances surrounding her death prompted police to register a murder case and arrest her husband and the domestic worker.

A preliminary post-mortem examination indicated a fracture to a neck bone. Injuries were also reported to Hina’s ribs and hip.

Forensic samples were collected and sent to a laboratory for further examination. Police have said the exact cause of death cannot be conclusively established until the complete post-mortem and forensic reports are available.

A special investigation team led by Investigation SSP Saifullah took the two suspects to Lahore on Tuesday under heavy security.

Their samples were submitted to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for DNA testing and polygraph examinations. Hina’s father-in-law also accompanied the investigation team and was questioned before returning to Rawalpindi.

Police sources said DNA results could take around three weeks, while polygraph results were expected sooner.

Investigators are examining forensic, scientific and technical evidence, along with human intelligence, to determine the role of each person named in the case.

Parliamentary caucus backs family

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus visited Hina Javed’s residence to express condolences and assure her family of continued support.

The delegation was led by WPC Secretary and MNA Dr Shahida Rehmani. Several other members of the National Assembly and the assembly’s chief technical adviser were also part of the delegation.

The delegation met Hina’s sister and other relatives and expressed sorrow over her death.

Dr Shahida Rehmani said violence against women in any form was unacceptable. She called for a fair, transparent and impartial investigation into the case.

She said every aspect of Hina’s death should be thoroughly examined and anyone found responsible must be held accountable under the law.

The WPC secretary said the caucus would closely monitor proceedings of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior regarding the case.

She also said the National Commission on the Status of Women had been taken on board.