DNA result delay hampers probe into rape, death of special child in Ghizer

GILGIT: The investigation into the tragic rape and death of a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome from Yasin Valley, Ghizer district, has been hampered by delays in DNA results, which are crucial to advancing the case.

Police are still awaiting the results of DNA samples sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), Lahore almost a month ago.

The victim, hailing from Yasin Valley in the Ghizer district, passed away last month after delivering a stillborn baby at the provincial headquarters hospital in Gilgit.

During the police investigation, her mother pointed to a relative as a potential suspect. Acting on this lead, the police arrested the relative and collected DNA samples for forensic analysis. Later, he was released.

Following the arrest, the police sent the initial DNA samples to the PFSA in Lahore for testing. Later, five additional samples were collected and dispatched for further forensic analysis.

Speaking to HUM News English, Station House Officer (SHO) Shahadat of the Yasin Police Station confirmed that the forensic results are crucial to the investigation, describing them as “the prime and only evidence” that could substantiate the allegations.

The SHO explained that delays in obtaining DNA results from PFSA are not uncommon, particularly when the agency is handling a high volume of samples from multiple provinces.

“In such cases, the results can take more than a month if PFSA has a backlog of samples,” he added. SHO Shahadat reiterated that once the forensic report is received, the police will proceed with further legal action, which could include additional arrests if the DNA evidence points to other suspects.

Until the DNA results are in, the investigation remains at a standstill, prolonging the family’s ordeal and the community’s demand for justice in this tragic case.

A special investigation team has been formed to probe the case, but the slow pace of the investigation has sparked concern among child rights activists. Many are frustrated by the perceived delay in bringing the perpetrators to justice, particularly given the sensitive nature of the crime.

Child rights groups have expressed concern that the delay could impede the timely resolution of the case and potentially weaken the prosecution’s ability to bring the accused to justice.

 “The police should have sent an officer to Lahore to prioritize such a sensitive and important issue. The delays raise questions about how seriously the police are taking this matter,” said child rights activist Mamtaz Gohar, emphasizing the importance of swiftly concluding such investigations to ensure accountability and provide closure to the victim’s family.

He also criticized the role of the government and politicians, stating, “They are quick to quarrel over petty issues in the assembly but are not prepared to pass a bill for the establishment of a forensic lab in the region.”

Gohar demanded that the government prioritize passing a bill in the assembly for the establishment of a forensic lab.

He further highlighted that delays in forensic investigations in such cases can create complications. He cited a previous incident in which police mishandling of samples led to a three-month delay and the re-exhumation of a victim’s grave in the Chatorkhand area of Ghizer.