RAWALPINDI: The mysterious death of private television channel anchorperson Rabia Ahsan has taken a new turn after her brother and complainant in the case, Khurram Ahmed, rejected reports that the family intended to withdraw the murder case.
Khurram Ahmed said he could not forgive the killing of his sister and stressed that the police must uncover the facts and circumstances surrounding her death. He maintained that he had no intention of withdrawing the case and that completing the investigation was the responsibility of the police.
Earlier, speaking to the BBC, he had said that his family considered the incident an accident and that there had been no major disputes or reported conflicts between the couple during their 14 years of marriage.
Meanwhile, police have presented Rabia’s husband, Ahsan, who was arrested in connection with the case, before a court and secured a two-day physical remand for further interrogation.
According to police, Rabia’s body was found at her residence in Gulshanabad, Rawalpindi, on November 8. She had sustained a gunshot wound to the lower part of her neck. An unlicensed .30-bore pistol was also recovered from the scene.
Following the incident, police arrested her husband, who serves as a deputy director at the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF). A murder case under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code was registered at Sadar Bairuni Police Station on the complaint of her brother, Khurram Ahmed.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the suspect had told investigators during preliminary questioning that he was taking a pistol out of a wardrobe when it accidentally discharged, striking Rabia in the neck.
According to the initial post-mortem findings, the bullet entered the lower front portion of her neck, causing her death.
Police officials said all aspects of the case were being examined. Forensic samples collected from the scene have been sent to a laboratory, while investigators will proceed on the basis of the post-mortem findings, forensic report and evidence gathered during further questioning.
