Court denies bail to Civil Judge's wife in torture case of minor housemaid

A local court Thursday rejected the bail petition of Soumia Asim, wife of a civil judge, in connection with the alleged torture of a minor housemaid named Rizwana, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The decision was delivered by Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi following a thorough hearing involving legal representatives from both sides.

Defence counsel Qazi Dastagir argued in court, attempting to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the young girl's presence in the household. Dastagir contended that Rizwana was not employed as a servant, and instead, she was brought into the home for educational purposes and her overall welfare. The defence maintained that Rizwana was receiving instruction from a Quran teacher and a tutor within the premises.

However, prosecutors painted a starkly different picture, revealing disturbing details about Rizwana's condition. The court was informed that the minor had sustained multiple injuries, including broken arms and ribs, a fractured tooth, and wounds on the back of her head. The severity of her injuries was such that she had to be transferred from Sargodha to Lahore for specialized medical care.

The prosecution also highlighted evidence suggesting a connection between the accused and individuals in the United States, alleging that money was being sent from abroad to the family.

Moreover, the authorities were made aware of the situation when Sargodha's District Police Officer (DPO) communicated with Islamabad Police due to the location of the crime falling within the jurisdiction of Islamabad.

Prosecutor Waqas vehemently opposed the bail petition, citing substantial evidence against Soumia Asim. Waqas underscored contradictions in the defence's claims, such as the discrepancy between the stated educational intentions and the absence of confirmation from the tutor who was purportedly teaching Rizwana.

As this distressing case unfolds, it shines a spotlight on the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals within society. The denial of bail to Soumia Asim marks a significant step toward ensuring that justice is served in the tragic case of Rizwana's alleged torture.