Fatima murder case: Suspected manipulation of DNA tests prompts further investigation

KHAIRPUR: Concerns over possible manipulation of DNA tests in the Fatima murder case have led investigators to transfer the prime suspect, Asad Shah, to Karachi for a separate examination.

The decision to relocate the accused came after a female doctor on the medical board overseeing the case expressed suspicions regarding the authenticity of Shah’s DNA samples, raising questions about the integrity of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Fatima.

Sources indicate that DNA samples from the primary suspect, Asad Shah, will be sent to Lahore’s forensic laboratory following the tests in Karachi. Separate DNA examinations will be conducted in both Karachi and Lahore.

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The Health Department was responsible for collecting Shah’s DNA sample under its supervision.

Police officials transferred the prime accused, Peer Asad Shah, involved in the murder of child maid Fatima, to Karachi for a second DNA test after the initial sample did not yield a match.

In an official statement, the police announced that the Health Department had directed authorities to carry out a second DNA test on the prime accused, Peer Asad Shah, who stands accused in the murder of Fatima, a child maid employed at a haveli owned by him.

Law enforcement noted that the first DNA samples obtained from Shah did not align with the samples extracted from the victim’s clothing. Consequently, the police took the precaution of transferring the accused to Karachi.

Officials further elaborated that concerns had arisen among doctors that the samples might not match due to potential “technical issues.”

It is noteworthy that DNA samples were collected from 19 individuals, including Asad Shah, his relatives, and employees. The prime suspect currently remains in custody on a seven-day physical remand.

The tragic death of 10-year-old Fatima occurred within the premises of Asad Shah’s haveli, with a video of the incident circulating on social media. The postmortem report confirmed that the young maid had been sexually abused, according to DIG Sukkur Javed Jiskani.

Following the incident, the police apprehended Asad Shah, the primary accused in the Fatima case.