Father of child maid ‘forgives’ judge for alleged torture, again

The father of a child maid allegedly tortured by an additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) in Islamabad said he ‘forgave’ the suspect and his wife a second time during a hearing of the case on Friday.

ADSJ Raja Khurram Ali Khan, and his wife were facing an inquiry for their alleged involvement in keeping juvenile housemaid Tayyaba in wrongful confinement, burning her hand over a missing broom, beating her with a ladle, detaining her in a storeroom and threatening her with dire consequences.

During a hearing of the case before an additional district and sessions court today, Mohammad Azam, Tayyaba’s father, said he forgave Khurram and his wife, adding that the case was “baseless”.

Azam maintained that Khurram and his wife are not the criminals in the case and that a petition has been filed against the real criminals with police.

In an affidavit submitted in court, Tayyaba’s father stated that he would have “no objections” if the court decides to grant bail to the judge and his wife.

Appearing before the court earlier in January, Azam had forgiven the judge and his wife and claimed that he had investigated the matter on his own and found the case to be a false one.

However, when he appeared before the Supreme Court later, Tayyaba’s father had retracted his statement and said he had forgiven the suspects after being pressured.

“You had backtracked from your earlier statement as well,” ADSJ Raja Asif who was hearing the case today told Azam, and assured him that there was no need to be scared.

“Are you giving this statement of your own accord? Is there any pressure on you?” the judge asked, adding, “The court will protect you.”

Mohammad Azam, however, repeated his stance, saying “I forgive Raja Khurram and his wife.”

Judge Raja Asif granted bail to Raja Khurram and his wife against surety bonds of Rs30,000 each.

Source: Dawn