Woman held in chains for 12 years rescued in Bahawalnagar

BAHAWALNAGAR: Police in Bahawalnagar said they rescued a 32-year-old woman who had allegedly been confined in a room and kept in chains for around 12 years in McLeod Ganj, and arrested her father and one of her brothers in the case.

According to officials at the district police officer’s office, the woman, identified as Hasna Bibi of Prabhatiwala village, had left her home 12 years ago and entered into a court marriage with a man from another caste. The officials said she returned to her family home about a week later under pressure from her parents, after which the community allegedly used its influence to force a divorce.

Police officials said her family then confined her to a small room inside the house that did not have a bathroom. According to police sources, she remained bound with iron chains for years, while the door was kept locked from the outside. They said the shackles were removed only after her physical condition worsened to the point that she was barely able to move, but she was still not allowed to leave the room, use the toilet or speak to anyone in the house.

Officials said the situation continued until June 4, when the Bahawalnagar DPO formed a special women police unit after receiving a tip-off. Police said members of the unit first visited the residence disguised as broom sellers to verify the information. After confirming that the woman was being held there, the team, accompanied by a male police squad, carried out a raid and recovered her safely.

According to police sources, Hasna Bibi had not been provided proper food for 12 years and was not allowed to bathe, use the toilet or change her clothes. They said her condition was critical and that she could not move on her own when she was recovered.

Police said she was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, where she was undergoing treatment. A police spokesperson said a case had been registered at McLeod Ganj Police Station on the complaint of Assistant Sub-Inspector Athar Mahmood against her father Riaz, mother Khursheedan Bibi, and brothers Tariq, Sajid, Asif and Tahir. The spokesperson added that the father and one brother had been arrested.