Pir Asad, his influential family 'forced' Fatima's parents to sign settlement deal: reports

A disturbing new development has emerged in the case of Fatima, a minor housemaid who was allegedly tortured to death by an influential Pir in Sindh's Ranipur town.

The parents of the slain girl revealed in the Sindh High Court (SHC) that they were harassed and threatened by the accused, who forced them to sign a settlement deal. 

However, the mother's testimony contradicts her previous affidavit, where she claimed her daughter's death was due to 'natural causes' and the accused were 'innocent'.

Earlier, the SHC took suo moto notice in the case after the families reached an agreement in the high-profile murder case. The hearing of the case was held on October 7.

In court, the girl's parents requested the transfer of the murder case to Karachi, citing threats and intimidation. 

Their lawyer demanded the case be tried in the Anti-Terrorism Court to ensure justice. 

The court has adjourned further hearing until October 14, seeking answers from the parties involved.

Background:

The distressing incident came to light in August last year after video clips showing torture marks on the minor girl's body went viral on social media.

In the video, the seriously injured girl was seen struggling to sit up on her bed but soon collapsed.

Later, Ranipur notable Pir Asad Shah Jeelani and others were arrested for allegedly torturing their 10-year-old maid to death.

A special media board was formed to ascertain the cause of the minor's death, which concluded that the girl was subjected to severe torture and suspected sexual abuse.

The post-mortem report revealed “decomposition with bluish discoloration on right side of face and forehead and greenish mottled discoloration over the left side of face, neck and shoulder”.

The preliminary autopsy report also stated that the abdomen of the deceased girl was distended.

Earlier in August this year, sources said the Ranipur notable offered Fatima's parents Rs2 crore to withdraw the case.

The parents received the first installment of Rs5 million, but the remaining amount was withheld after the accused's bail was rejected, sources added.

However, there were contradictions in the parents' statements, with the father saying they were not afraid and would not forgive the accused, while the mother claimed in an affidavit that her daughter's death was due to "natural causes" and the arrested persons were "innocent".