DI Khan man takes own life after panchayat gives daughter in vani

• Adil names four people in final audio message.
• Two arrested, raids underway to capture others.
• Affected girl returned to family, say police.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A father took his own life by swallowing poisonous pills after his 11-year-old daughter was forcibly given as vani by a village council (panchayat) in the Bhagwani Shumali area, within the limits of Paharpur Police Station.

Vani (also known as swara) is an illegal custom in which young girls, often minors, are forcibly married or given into servitude to resolve disputes, particularly in cases involving accusations of murder or dishonour.

Before the tragic incident, the panchayat had also extorted Rs0.7 million from the poor barber, identified as Adil, The News reported. The ordeal began when it was revealed that Adil’s nephew and the daughter of an accused, Fareed, had been in contact with each other.

In response, influential local landlords allegedly abducted Adil through Malik Inayatullah and took him to their hujra, where a panchayat was convened.

During the gathering, Adil was reportedly subjected to brutal torture and forced to place his thumbprint on a stamped document, agreeing to hand over his 11-year-old daughter as vani to settle the matter. The accused had also previously taken Rs0.7 million from him.

Shattered by the forced marriage of his daughter, the extortion, and the inhumane treatment he suffered, Adil recorded a final audio message in which he named four individuals responsible for his ordeal.

He accused them, including Inayatullah and Fareed, of committing grave injustice by forcibly taking his daughter and extorting money from him. He pleaded for justice and urged authorities to ensure that the culprits were punished and that his family was protected.

Following the recording, Adil consumed poisonous pills, ending his life. His audio message went viral on social media, prompting police action.

After the incident, police arrested two accused, including the prime suspect, and launched raids to apprehend the remaining individuals. A case has been registered at Paharpur Police Station on the complaint of the Station House Officer (SHO).

Meanwhile, police officials have clarified that the affected girl has been handed over to her family. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed has taken notice of the case and sought a detailed report.

Regional Police Officer Syed Ashfaq Anwar directed Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) Ali Hamza to ensure the swift arrest of all involved.

The incident has sparked grief and outrage among locals, who are demanding severe punishment for those responsible.