NA panels demands removal of judge in child maid torture case

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights on Thursday recommended removal of Civil Judge whose wife allegedly tortured a 14-year old domestic worker.

The committee, presided by its chairperson Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto was briefed by National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq regarding the  housemaid torture case and victim’s medical condition.

The suspect Somia Asim, wife of civil judge Asim Hafeez is accused of breaking ribs, teeth and injuring other body parts including skull of her underage housemaid, Rizwana, who is battling for her life at the Lahore General hospital (LGH).

Accusing police of registering an incomplete First Information Report (FIR), NCRC chair said a strong charge sheet against the accused was only filed after intervention by the government.

Ayesha Raza said she made sure the attempted murder charge is added to the FIR. The accused Somia has now also been  booked under PPC sections 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement).

Lamenting interim bail granted to Somia by the courts, NCRC chair said it is responsibility of the police to ensure fair and impartial investigation into the case.

Deputy Inspector General Islamabad Shahzad Bukhari told the NA panel, a man named Mukhtar got Rizwana employed at the civil judge’s residence for Rs.10000 salary.

Resolving to proceed ahead with the case on merit, DIG said the accused would be dealt in accordance with law.