WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
A special investigation team led by Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) Additional Inspector General Sohail Zafar Chattha has launched a fresh probe into the murder of Hina Javed, reviewing forensic evidence and examining whether any investigative lapses or overlooked clues affected the case.
The investigation follows special directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The team has received the victim’s DNA report and is reviewing the evidence collected so far, alongside the steps taken by police during the initial investigation.
Chattha arrived in Rawalpindi with the special team and inspected the apartment in the Lal Kurti area where Hina was allegedly tortured and murdered on August 20.
Rawalpindi City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, Investigation SSP Saifullah, other senior police officials and the case’s investigation officer were present during the visit. The team was briefed on the progress of the case, evidence collected from the crime scene and the alleged roles of the suspects.
The suspects named in the case include Hina’s husband, Faisal Asghar; domestic employee Zeeshan; and her father-in-law, Ali Asghar. According to sources, Hina’s husband and the domestic employee have been arrested.
Forensic evidence and earlier investigation under review
During the inspection, Chattha reportedly raised questions about the post-mortem report, the alleged murder weapon, forensic findings, telephone records and the investigation conducted into the suspects.
The team has also begun interviewing police officers involved in the earlier investigation to determine whether any evidence was overlooked or procedural shortcomings occurred.
Inspector Iftikhar Ahmed of the Homicide Investigation Unit has been included in the special team to strengthen the investigation.
The review of forensic material, including the DNA report, is expected to help investigators assess the available evidence and identify any outstanding investigative requirements. Further forensic reports are still awaited, according to sources.
Victim’s family shares concerns with investigation team
Later, Chattha and Investigation SSP Saifullah met Hina’s brother, Fahad Javed, and the family’s lawyer, Shah Khawar, at the Police Lines Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Sources said the committee shared details of the DNA report with the family. Hina’s brother and lawyer, in turn, conveyed their concerns about the investigation conducted so far.
Chattha assured the family that the case would be investigated transparently and impartially, with all decisions based on merit. He also assured them that no significant piece of evidence would be ignored and that the remaining forensic reports would be obtained soon.
The fresh inquiry comes as investigators reassess the evidence and the handling of the case, with particular attention to whether earlier investigative steps require further scrutiny.
Challan to follow completion of investigation
According to sources, the police will submit the challan to the court after receiving the outstanding forensic reports and completing the investigation.
The findings of the fresh probe could help clarify the evidence against the suspects and address the concerns raised by the victim’s family.
Hina was allegedly tortured and murdered at a residence in Rawalpindi’s Lal Kurti area on August 20. The latest investigation aims to review the evidence comprehensively and determine whether any aspect of the case requires further examination.