A newly married woman was allegedly strangled to death by her husband, who is also accused of setting her body on fire, in Punjab’s Narowal district, police said on Monday.
According to the first information report (FIR), the victim, identified as Nida Shaheen, had been married to Hammad Sohail, a resident of Ghaziwal village, around three months ago.
The complaint was filed by the victim’s brother, Ali Raza, who alleged that his sister had been subjected to repeated physical abuse after her marriage. He claimed that Hammad wanted to marry another woman and frequently assaulted Nida over the issue.
The complainant stated that on June 19, Hammad and his family members allegedly beat Nida and forced her to leave the house, after which she returned to her parents’ home.
According to the FIR, Hammad visited his in-laws’ house on June 27 and reconciled with Nida before taking her back to the marital home. However, another dispute allegedly broke out soon after.
The complaint alleges that Hammad, along with his brother Bilal, father Sohail and mother Naseem, assaulted Nida. Hammad is accused of strangling his wife before setting her body on fire in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Police reached the scene after receiving information about the incident and shifted the body to the District Headquarters Hospital in Narowal for a post-mortem examination.
Saddar Narowal Police Station has registered an FIR against Hammad Sohail, Bilal, Sohail and Naseem under relevant legal provisions.
Police said an investigation is underway, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the nominated suspects. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in the case.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over domestic violence and violence against women, with investigators expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing through the ongoing inquiry.