By Samandar Khan
Chakwal: An additional district and sessions court in Chakwal has announced its verdict in a two‑year‑old case involving the illegal confinement of two siblings in Ghugh Village, sentencing the accused to three years’ rigorous imprisonment and ordering the payment of nearly Rs9.9 million in diyat.
Convict found guilty of illegal confinement of cousins
Additional District and Sessions Judge Amir Mukhtar Gondal convicted Ansar Abbas for illegal confinement of his cousins and for causing the death of Jabeen Bibi. The court directed the convict to pay Rs9,828,670 as diyat, ruling that he would remain incarcerated until the full amount is paid, even after completion of the prison term.
Land dispute at heart of Ghugh Village case
According to the prosecution, an anonymous complaint received by the Ex‑District Police Officer (DPO) Chakwal in 2023 alleged that Ansar Abbas, in collusion with his wife and other female relatives, had confined his paternal cousins, Jabeen Bibi and Hasan Raza, in a room to forcibly seize 955 kanals of valuable land worth millions of rupees.
Victims deprived of food and clothing during harsh winter
The complaint stated that the victims were administered improper medication, deprived of adequate food, and denied warm clothing during harsh winter conditions. It further alleged that a woman from the village secretly provided them with food. Police raids later confirmed the allegations.
As a result of prolonged deprivation, Jabeen Bibi died due to hunger and exposure, while her brother Hasan Raza reportedly suffered severe psychological trauma.
Police raids confirm allegations of illegal confinement
Police Station Neela registered the case and submitted the challan before the court. During the trial, the medical evidence did not establish direct proof of murder; however, the court held that the accused was responsible for creating the circumstances that led to the victim’s death.
Family pursues justice after state complaint
The case was initially registered under the state’s complaint and later pursued by Rafaqat, the maternal uncle of the surviving victim. The prosecution was conducted by senior advocate and former assistant attorney general Nayyer Abbas Awan.
Verdict seen as precedent against inhumane treatment
The verdict has been described by legal circles as a significant step towards accountability and a strong precedent against crimes involving unlawful detention and inhumane treatment.
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