A pregnant woman was allegedly subjected to brutal torture by her husband and other members of her in-laws’ family after an ultrasound reportedly indicated that she was expecting another daughter, prompting Gujranwala police to take immediate action and arrest her husband within hours.
The incident was reported in Wapda Town, within the jurisdiction of Sadar police station, where the woman’s family alleged that she was severely beaten and that an attempt was made to cause her pregnancy to terminate.
City Police Officer Gujranwala Dr Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan took notice of the incident and directed police to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspect. Police subsequently arrested the woman’s husband, identified as Tayyab Manan.
According to the FIR registered at Sadar police station, the woman’s father, Amjad Javed, alleged that his daughter Urooj Amjad had married Tayyab Manan, son of businessman Mehr Abdul Manan, around one-and-a-half years ago. The couple already has a daughter.
The complainant alleged that Urooj was around five months pregnant when she underwent an ultrasound examination and the family learned that she was again expecting a girl.
According to the allegations recorded in the FIR, Tayyab became enraged after learning the reported gender of the unborn child and, along with family members, allegedly subjected his wife to severe physical violence.
The complainant further alleged that the woman was beaten in an attempt to terminate her pregnancy and that her head was repeatedly struck against walls, leaving her injured. Police are investigating the allegations.
A CCTV video has also surfaced purportedly showing Tayyab leaving the area after the incident. In the footage, two men identified by the complainant as Zaheeb and Sohaib, his brothers, can allegedly be seen helping him into a vehicle in the presence of their father, Abdul Manan Mehr, before the vehicle leaves for an undisclosed location.
Police said the accused husband was arrested within a few hours of the incident. Further investigation is under way, while allegations against other family members will also be examined in accordance with the evidence.
The case has drawn concern because the alleged violence was linked to the sex of an unborn child, highlighting concerns over violence against women and the treatment of female children even before birth.
Police said action would be taken against those found involved in the alleged assault, while the victim’s medical examination and other evidence would form part of the investigation.