CJ takes notice of a kidnapped girl ‘s murder

Lahore: On publication of a news item in a section of the press that Police found a body of a two year old kidnapped girl floating in BRB Canal, Lahore High Court took serious notice of the incident and District & Sessions Judge, Lahore was directed to look into the mater and submit a detailed report about the steps taken by the local police along with his own comments.

According to details, two daughters of Muhammad Yahya, Mariyam, 2, and Maria, 6, got missing while playing in the street. The matter was reported to Mughalpura police. After 09 days of their kidnapping, body of Mariyam was found floating in BRB Canal and the other girl was still missing.

D&SJ in initial report stated that the case of the abduction of two girls was registered in PS Mughalpura on complaint of their father. The complainant nominated six accused including his close relatives. Four accused obtained interim pre-arrest bail and remaining two accused are yet to be arrested. Abductee Maria has not been recovered so far. The D&SJ has asked the Investigation Officer to make concrete, fruitful and result oriented efforts for arrest of the remaining accused and recovery of abductee Maria.

After perusal of report, Lahore High Court has directed the D&SJ Lahore to invoke his jurisdiction u/s 22-A & 22-B Cr.P.C. and issue directions in the referred episode as follows: –

1.An appropriate direction be issued to the CCPO and the Inquiry Officer (IO) for fair investigation on true lines;

2. The I.O. be directed to secure complete evidence during the investigation.

3.The CCPO should constitute a special team for the recovery of the minor and for said purpose, all available sources will be utilized.

4.The CCPO and the IO also be directed to secure all documentary evidence/reports from concerned experts and annex with police report u/s 173 Cr.P.C.;

5.The local police be directed to file report u/s 173 Cr.P.C. within the stipulated period in order to enable the court to do the complete justice;

6.The D&SJ being ex-officio Justice of Peace should issue any other direction to police authorities as he may deem fit, remaining within the ambit of law, on the subject.