Alleged rape in civil judge's chamber: Sehwan magistrate to undergo medical tests

SEHWAN: Jamshoro police on Friday confirmed they had penned a letter to a civil judge accused of raping a woman in his chambers, stating that he was required to undergo a medical test as part of the investigation.

According to police officials, the accused civil judge in Case No. 9/2020 was obligated to present himself for a medical test at a laboratory under the investigative officer's supervision. The test results would then be matched with samples from the woman who accused him of sexual assault.

Earlier, the Sindh High Court (SHC) in Karachi had allowed a probe of the accused to be conducted. The accused civil judge is currently out on a 10-day, pre-arrest interim bail.

Also read: Sehwan rape survivor details alleged abuser's comments

A first information report (FIR) in this regard was registered two days ago in the Sehwan police station. Prior to that, SHC Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh had taken notice of the incident and suspended the accused civil judge from performing his duties over "misconduct"; however, he would continue to draw his salary during the suspension period.

'Wanted to meet me alone'

Last week, the survivor had appeared in the court after, according to local sources, she and her husband were taken into custody by Sehwan police from a local guesthouse on January 13. Their relatives had arrived at the guest house but police, however, took the couple into custody.

Read more: Judicial magistrate suspended after being accused of raping woman

The couple had wished to marry by choice and had eloped after facing resistance from their family. In her initial complaint, the woman said the judicial magistrate in question had told his staff and police officials to leave the office before calling her to his chambers where he allegedly raped her.

In a video statement, the survivor had confirmed she had gone to the court with her husband and lawyer and said her alleged abuser told her that rape was the only way to return to her husband.

"The judge said he wanted to meet me alone," she stated.

A medical report issued by the Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences (SASIMS) had confirmed she was raped.

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Trespasser allegedly rapes physically-disabled teenage girl in Karachi