Murder of Namrita Chandani
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|
Namrita Chandani | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Died | 16 September 2019 |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
Namrita Chandani[1][2][3] also known as Namrita Amarta Maher Chandani or Namrita Kumari, was a Sindhi Hindu girl from Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan. She was a final year student at Bibi Asifa Dental College Larkana when she was found dead[4] in her hostel room on 16 September 2019.[5][6]
There was wide speculation about the cause of her death. Initially, the institute and local police claimed the cause of death to be suicide, however, the family claims that she was murdered.[2] Fingerprint samples and Chandani's scarf were then sent to The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) but this investigation did not yield any substantial findings and so could not conclude a cause of death.[7]
The post-mortem performed pointed that a sexual act- rape had been committed with her. A later autopsy report commissioned by the Sindh high court found evidence of murder and sexual assault.[8][9][10][11] This report also showed that she was asphyxiated to death by strangulation with a rope.[citation needed] This purported chain of events was based on evidence of male DNA on her clothes and body. Vaginal swab examination showed evidence of sexual contact.[12][13]
Death
[edit]Doctors revealed that there was a choking mark by wire on her neck.[14] Police said that the girl may have committed suicide but her brother Vishal told the media he was convinced that his sister was murdered.[15] He also appealed to the public to stand up for them as they are indeed a minority in Pakistan [16] The university vice-chancellor Anila told the media that Chandani's room was locked. She further added that the actual cause of death is yet to be confirmed.[17] According to the post-mortem report, no marks of torture have been found on the body.[18] SSP Larkana is investigating the incident and had sealed her room for further investigation.[19] It is suspected by some that Chandani might have been a victim of murder by fellow students. An investigation is looking into the leaked medical paper which Chandani opposed and raised her voice for. Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a judicial inquiry into the murder of Chandani.[20]
According to initial police reports, Chandani wanted to marry classmate Mehran Abro but his parents refused.[21] Later, Sindh police arrested Mehran Abro and Ali Shah Memon, following a new autopsy report showing evidence of strangulation and DNA evidence of rape.[22][23]
Protest
[edit]In the wake of the incident people from Sindh[24][25] protested on behalf of Namrita Chandani.[26] The murder caused widespread anger and led to demands that the government form a Judicial Commission.
References
[edit]- ^ "Pak Hindu Student Found Dead In Hostel Room, Family Alleges Murder". NDTV. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ a b Ameer, Hamza (17 September 2019). "Hindu medical student found dead under mysterious conditions in Pakistan". India Today. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Hindu Medical Student in Pakistan Found Dead in College Hostel; Brother Alleges Foul Play". News18. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Larkana: Dead body of medical student recovered from hostel". Dunya News. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan: Hindu girl found murdered; Another case of forced conversion?". aninews.in. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Hindu medical student found dead in Pakistan hostel, brother alleges foul play". Hindustan Times. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ Ameer, Hamza (26 November 2019). "Namrita Chandani death case remains twisted as deviating reports on fingerprints keep surfacing". India Today. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ Tribune.com.pk (17 September 2019). "College student found dead". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Twitter wants justice for Larkana medical student Nimrita Kumari". National Courier. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Hindu medical student found dead in college hostel room in Pakistan, cops suspect foulplay". Zee News. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan: Hindu Girl From Ghotki Found Dead In Hostel Room After Rioting And Attack On Temples- News Nation". News Nation. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Pakistani Hindu medical student Nimrita Kumari was 'raped and killed', autopsy report shuns 'suicide' claims". The Financial Express. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
- ^ "Pakistani Hindu medical student Nimrita was raped and killed, says the new post-mortem report". gulfnews.com. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
- ^ "Hindu Girl Found Dead In Pakistan's Sindh: What Doctor Said". News Nation. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Hindu girl from Pakistan's Ghotki found dead in her hostel room in Larkana, brother suspects murder, calls for help". NewsX. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Pak Hindu Student Found Dead In Hostel Room, Family Alleges Murder". NDTV.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ "Final-year student of dental surgery found dead in hostel". Daily Times. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Nimrita Kumari was murdered, claims Larkana student's brother". geo.tv. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Death of medical student Nimrita Kumari sparks anger on social media". The News International. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan orders judicial inquiry into Hindu medical student Namrita Chandani's death". Zee News. 18 September 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
- ^ "Nimrita wanted to marry classmate, parents refused: Sources". ARYNEWS. 21 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan: Sindh Police arrests 2 suspect in murder of Hindu girl Namrita". www.aninews.in. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
- ^ "Pak Hindu Girl, Who Was Found Hanging In Hostel Was Raped, Reveals Autopsy". NDTV.com. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan: Protest held in Karachi against alleged murder of Namrita Chandni". DNA India. 18 September 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ "Massive protest in Pak over murder of Sindhi Hindu girl, minorities call for end to religious prosecution". Times Now. 18 September 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ Nath, Rajan (18 September 2019). "Massive protest in Pakistan over murder of Sindhi Hindu girl". PTC NEWS. Retrieved 18 September 2019.