Civil judge’s wife denied bail in maid torture case

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the bail plea of Somia Asim, the wife of civil judge Asim Hafeez, was rejected by an additional district and sessions court in Islamabad.

The case revolves around allegations of severe mistreatment inflicted upon a teenage domestic helper within the confines of the federal capital.

The accused, Somia Asim, faced legal action after being accused of subjecting a teenage maid to grievous torture. The young victim, in a critical state, was transferred to Lahore General Hospital on July 24.

Maid torture case: Judge’s wife pleads innocence

Subsequently, on August 7, the civil judge’s wife was taken into custody following the cancellation of her bail, providing a measure of relief to the parents of the tormented 14-year-old.

During the court proceedings, Somia Asim appeared before Judge Shaista Kundi. Her legal representative, Qazi Dastgir, contended that the initial report failed to specify the date of the alleged incident.

Dastgir highlighted the existence of CCTV footage, demonstrating that the girl had been returned to her mother by his client. He pointed out that certain videos captured the girl appearing healthy while seated at a bus station.

Dastgir proceeded to argue that a fabricated narrative had been constructed against Somia Asim. He questioned the implausibility of the wounds being infected by bugs at home, only to seemingly vanish once the girl reached the bus station.

In response, Judge Kundi played the bus station video in court and requested the girl’s mother to provide an accurate account of the events at the bus station. The mother attested that the judge’s wife had complained about the work performance of the girl, named Rizwana, and had requested her return. When questioned, Rizwana did not offer a response.

Somia’s lawyer vehemently maintained that his client had not subjected Rizwana to any form of mistreatment and had safely handed her over to her parents.

Judge Kundi reassured that a comprehensive record would be established, emphasizing the court’s commitment to delivering justice. Dastgir prayed that Rizwana had not been employed by his client, but the judge revealed that Somia had acknowledged making payments to the girl just two days prior.

Following the arguments, the court reserved its judgment, which was subsequently announced.

It is noteworthy that Somia Asim had sought interim bail as a precautionary measure to evade arrest amidst allegations of physically abusing and torturing the minor girl engaged as domestic help in their residence.