Islamabad: Suspect in student suicide case dies after being shot by accomplices

ISLAMABAD: The main suspect in the alleged fraud case linked to the death of 23-year-old student Laiba Ejaz died after being shot during an exchange of fire between police and armed men in Islamabad, according to a police spokesperson. The suspect, Muhammad Nauman, had been shot on Tuesday night.

The spokesperson said a police team was taking Nauman to recover evidence based on information he had provided when four of his alleged accomplices, travelling on two motorcycles, opened indiscriminate fire on the party in an attempt to free him from custody.

Nauman was wounded by gunfire from his own accomplices, while police personnel remained unharmed because of their bulletproof jackets and other safety measures, the spokesperson said.

He was shifted to hospital for medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. Police said search operations were under way to arrest the remaining suspects.

Nauman’s death comes days after an Islamabad court remanded him in police custody for five days as investigators pursued allegations of fraud involving the promise of university admission and a study visa for the United States.

Two women also arrested in alleged fraud

Nauman was arrested during a raid in Sector H-13, Islamabad. Police also detained two women suspected of assisting in the alleged fraud, although their individual roles remained under investigation.

On Monday, Judicial Magistrate Zunaira Zafar granted Nauman’s physical remand after police sought 10 days to question him further and verify evidence.

The case concerns Laiba Ejaz, whose body was found hanging from a tree in Islamabad’s G-10 area on October 9. She had graduated in physics from the International Islamic University Islamabad and reportedly hoped to pursue further education abroad.

Family alleges Rs9.3 million fraud

According to a first information report (FIR) lodged by Laiba’s father, Muhammad Ijaz, Nauman allegedly presented himself as an influential person holding a senior position in Islamabad and offered to arrange his daughter’s university admission and US study visa.

The family agreed to pay Rs9.3 million for the process, the complaint states. Ijaz alleged that he paid Rs2.1 million in cash in the presence of witnesses, while Laiba transferred a further Rs2.9 million to the suspect’s bank account.

The family later received documents purportedly relating to university admission, scholarships, fee payments and visa arrangements. These were allegedly found to be fake after verification.

According to the complaint, the suspect stopped responding to the father’s calls after being confronted, while a woman in contact with Laiba allegedly continued demanding additional money.

The FIR alleges that the financial loss and resulting distress contributed to Laiba’s death. These allegations have not been established in court. The exact amount paid remains unclear, as the payments itemised in the complaint total Rs5 million, below the stated agreed amount of Rs9.3 million.

Police and FIA investigate

Laiba’s family told media outlets that her father had spent his savings and sold a plot intended for building a house to finance her educational plans. Relatives said she had been distressed after discovering the alleged fraud and worried about its impact on her father.

Islamabad police registered a case at Ramna Police Station under Sections 322 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Separately, the Federal Investigation Agency registered a case involving alleged cheating, personation and offences under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979.

Investigators are examining the alleged use of forged documents to obtain money and whether the suspects may be linked to other fraud or blackmail cases. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also directed police to take action against those allegedly involved.

The investigations into the alleged fraud and the circumstances surrounding Laiba’s death remain ongoing.