Police in Bahawalnagar rescued a 32-year-old woman who had been chained and confined in a room for around 12 years after her family disapproved of her court marriage to a man of another caste.
Her father and brother have been arrested, and a case has been registered against six other family members.
What happened to Hasna Bibi and why was she confined?
Hasna Bibi of Prabhatiwala village in McLeod Ganj married a man of her choice through a court marriage 12 years ago. Her family disapproved, and within a week, she was returned home under family pressure, with the community using its influence to force a divorce.
Her family then locked her in a small room, bound her in iron chains, denied her access to a toilet, proper food, and contact with anyone inside the home.
Her chains were eventually removed when her health deteriorated to the point she could barely move, though she was still not permitted to leave the room.
How did police rescue Hasna Bibi?
The DPO office in Bahawalnagar told Nukta the rescue was triggered by a tip-off from a local area resident.
On June 4, a special women's police unit visited the house disguised as broom sellers to confirm the situation before conducting a formal raid with a male police squad to rescue her.
Hasna is currently in a shelter home and receiving medical treatment. Further investigation is underway.
Who has been arrested and charged?
Hasna's father, Riaz, and brother, Sajid Mahmood, have been arrested. A case has also been registered against her mother, Khursheedan Bibi, and brothers Tariq, Asif, and Tahir, bringing the total number of family members booked to six.
Police confirmed the case is under active investigation.
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