KOHAT: The prime accused in the murder of a medical college student, killed after refusing a marriage proposal, has fled the country to Saudi Arabia, police said on Monday.
Aasma Rani, a third-year MBBS student at Abbottabad Medical College, was killed in her hometown of Kohat on Saturday. The accused, Mujahid Afridi, shot her thrice and according to the victim’s family, wanted to marry her.
Mujahid Afridi fled on a foreign airline's flight from Benazir Bhutto International Airport. The police spokesman added that the accused left for the airport soon after carrying out the fatal attack.
Police further said that Interpol has been contacted through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to assist in Afridi's arrest.
Local law enforcement is carrying out raids in different areas to arrest other accused in the case.
Earlier today, an inquiry committee was formed on the orders of IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to probe the murder of the medical college student. Aasma’s family has alleged that the accused, Mujahid Afridi had issued threats in the past as well.
In a disturbing video made prior to her passing, Aasma revealed the name of her attacker. "Mujahid Afridi, Mujahid Afridi," Aasma is heard saying.
Her father has appealed for justice, saying that Aasma's attackers are political people. "They have not caught the criminals. I am a poor man but will come out onto the streets and protest. He [accused] has also committed other crimes."
Mujahid Afridi, who the victim's family claims is the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district president Aftab Alam — along with his brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was waiting outside the girl’s residence at the day of the incident.
The suspect shot her thrice after she stepped out of a rickshaw with her sister-in-law. Aasma succumbed to her wounds on Sunday evening after she was rushed to the hospital soon after the incident occurred.
Aftab Alam, in a video statement, condemned the murder and said he was as sorrowful as the family of the victim. The PTI district president added that the local police is conducting raids to arrest the accused and Aasma’s murderers will be brought to justice.
DPO Kohat, Abad Marwat said the murder is being probed from every angle and the accused, Mujahid and Sadiq, will be arrested.
He further claimed that the process to initiate a red warrant through Interpol is underway and assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and federal institutions is being sought.
A case has been lodged at the KDA police station against Mujahid and Sadiqullah Afridi.
PM takes notice of Aasma video being aired
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has taken notice of channels airing the video of Aasma Rani on her deathbed.
The premier issued directives to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take the matter up with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and to ensure the latter’s terms and conditions are adhered to.
According to the premier, they believe in the freedom of the press but the government must keep a check for the sake of the people’s rights.
Media urged to demonstrate responsibility
State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the murder case of Aasma Rani is extremely sorrowful and condemnable. She urged the media to demonstrate responsibility in its reportage of the tragic incident.
The minister directed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to take action over airing of the girl's photo or footage, as per the law.