Kohat police arrest accomplice in Asma Rani murder case
Interpol's help to be sought for arresting the primary accused, who has fled to Saudi Arabia
January 30, 2018
KOHAT: The police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested the accomplice of the accused in the murder of a medical college student in Kohat.
Asma Rani, a third-year MBBS student at Ayub Medical College, was killed in her hometown of Kohat. The primary suspect, Mujahid Afridi, shot her dead over a marriage refusal, according to the victim's family.
Mujahid fled to Saudi Arabia on a foreign airline's flight from Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad on Monday, the police said, adding that Mujahid and his brother Sadiqullah were both at the scene of the crime.
During a press conference on Tuesday, DPO Kohat announced to have arrested Sadiqullah, according to media reports.
Talking in Geo News’ morning show Geo Pakistan Tuesday, Regional Police Officer DIG Awal Khan said the suspects in both the Rani and Mardan’s four-year-old Asma’s murder case will be brought to book.
He vowed to ensure substantial progress in the case today.
The RPO said that Interpol has been contacted through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to assist in Mujahid's arrest.
Asma’s family has alleged that the accused, Mujahid, had issued threats in the past as well.
In a disturbing video made prior to her passing, Asma revealed the name of her attacker. "Mujahid Afridi, Mujahid Afridi," Asma is heard saying.
Her father has appealed for justice, saying that Asma's attackers are political people. "They have not caught the criminals. I am a poor man but will come out onto the streets and protest. He [accused] has also committed other crimes."
Mujahid, who the victim's family claims is the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district president Aftab Alam, along with his brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was waiting outside the girl’s residence at the day of the incident.
The suspect shot her thrice after she stepped out of a rickshaw with her sister-in-law, police said. Asma succumbed to her wounds on Sunday evening after she was rushed to the hospital soon after the incident.
Meanwhile, Aftab Alam, in a video statement, condemned the murder and said he was as sorrowful as the victim's family. The PTI district president added that the police are conducting raids to arrest the accused and Asma’s murderers will be brought to justice.
PM takes notice of Asma video being aired
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has taken notice of channels airing the video of Asma Rani on her deathbed.
The premier issued directives to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take the matter up with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and to ensure the latter’s terms and conditions are adhered to.
According to the premier, they believe in the freedom of the press but the government must keep a check for the sake of the people’s rights.
Media urged to demonstrate responsibility
State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the murder case of Asma Rani is extremely sorrowful and condemnable. She urged the media to demonstrate responsibility in its reportage of the tragic incident.
The minister directed PEMRA to take action over the airing of the girl's photo or footage, as per the law.
