Transgender person ‘set on fire’ in Rawalpindi

A transgender person named Aqeel Ahmad was allegedly set ablaze in Islamabad for refusing to pay his extortionist, DawnNews reported.

In a letter submitted to the Rawalpindi City Police Office (CPO), Aqeel’s brother Khalil Ahmad said the accused, Faisal, doused his brother with alcohol and set him on fire for not paying the extortion money on time.

He said he learned of the incident past midnight on Jan 5.

Admitted at the Holy Family Hospital, Aqeel told Khalil that the accused works as an extortionist and allegedly has the protection of the area police. Aqeel also said that Faisal rushed him to the hospital to deceive hospital officials regarding his involvement in the incident.

Khalil further stated in his letter that the area police deputed at Bani Station refused to file Aqeel’s case.

“Instead, they forced my brother to sign and give his thumb impressions on a statement that says he caught fire when the stove in his kitchen burst,” Khalil said.

The Rawalpindi CPO is investigating the matter.

Source: Dawn