A Rawalpindi magistrate on Friday ordered two men, arrested for the horrific videotaped assault of a young woman, to be sent to Adiala Jail on a two-week judicial remand. The accused face charges of torture, wrongful confinement, and cutting the victim's hair.
Court Order and Police Investigation
Judicial Magistrate Sofia Malik issued the remand order after accepting a request from the Naseerabad police. The accused, identified as Muhammad Anis alias Durrani from Noshehra and Abdul Jalil alias Mithu from Dhoke Kala Khan, Rawalpindi, will remain in jail until December 19. The court directed police to present the accused on that date along with the investigation report under Section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Police officials stated the duo was arrested on December 1 in a case registered on November 25. The First Information Report (FIR) details the assault on Emman Fatima, a resident of Dhoke Khabba, Rawalpindi. The incident, which occurred about a month and a half ago near the Christian Colony water tank, involved cutting her hair, torturing her, filming the act, and spreading the video on social media.
Charges and Evidence Recovered
The case is registered under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, reflecting the severity of the crime. These include:
- Section 337-V (PPC): Pertaining to 'arsh' (blood money) for causing hair removal.
- Section 34: Acts done by several persons with a common intention.
- Section 342: Wrongful confinement.
- Section 354: Assault or use of criminal force against a woman to outrage her modesty.
- Section 509: Insulting a woman's modesty or sexual harassment.
- Section 201: Causing the disappearance of evidence.
A police officer familiar with the investigation confirmed that crucial evidence has been secured. The scissors used to cut Emman Fatima's hair and the mobile phone used to record and later upload the viral video have been recovered. The police had previously obtained a two-day physical remand of the accused on December 2, followed by a one-day extension on December 4, before opting not to seek further custody.
Background of the Viral Assault
Investigations reveal that the victim, known as a TikTok content creator, was invited to a female friend's birthday party last month. A dispute erupted at the party between Emman and another girl. Subsequently, the male friends of the other girl allegedly subjected Emman to humiliation, cutting her hair while filming the entire episode.
The matter came to light after the distressing video circulated widely on social media platforms, prompting public outrage. The victim also released a video statement detailing her ordeal. It is noted that police have already released two other individuals initially suspected in the case after their involvement could not be substantiated.
This case highlights the alarming use of social media to amplify acts of violence and the judicial system's steps to address such crimes in Rawalpindi.
