Civil judge summoned in maid torture case

ISLAMABAD: In a new twist, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has summoned civil judge Asim Hafeez, whose wife was accused of torturing a young maid named Rizwana.

The SIT, headed by Shehzad Bukhari, wrote a letter to the Registrar of Lahore High Court seeking Hafeez’s appearance.

“In light of the above, it is requested that Mr. Asim Hafeez, Civil Judge, Punjab, may be directed to join the investigation before the Special Joint Investigation Team in the office of DIG/Operations on Tuesday, August 15,” the letter addressed to the Registrar read.

“Mr. Asim Hafeez, husband of accused lady Somia Hafeez, is requested to join the investigation in the subject case before the team.”

Yesterday, an additional district and sessions court in Islamabad rejected the civil judge’s wife bail plea.

The case revolves around allegations of severe torture inflicted upon a teenage domestic helper. The accused judge’s wife was taken into custody on August 7, following the cancellation of her bail, providing a measure of relief to the parents of the tormented 14-year-old.

The young victim was transferred to Lahore General Hospital on July 24 in a critical state.

Read more: Civil judge’s wife denied bail in maid torture case