The autopsy report for Syeda Sania Zehra has released, revealing that her death was caused by asphyxia due to hanging. Sania, who found hanging from a ceiling fan at her in-laws’ home, has become the center of a nationwide outcry for justice.
The investigation began following a complaint from Sania’s father, Asad Abbas, who alleges that his daughter murdered. He claims, “My daughter killed at night and hanged in the morning to stage it as a suicide. A police scene then fabricated. I urge the Punjab government and district administration for justice; my daughter tortured and hanged.”
In response to Abbas’s complaint, a case has filed against Sania’s husband, Syed Ali Raza, and his family, who are currently evading capture. The intensity of public and media attention has placed immense pressure on law enforcement to deliver a thorough investigation.
On Saturday, Sania’s body exhumed by court order, and samples sent for forensic analysis. The autopsy confirmed the ligature mark on her neck consistent with hanging, and her hyoid bone found intact, showing no visible injuries. Further medical samples from her stomach, liver, and spleen have sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) for additional testing, which also confirmed she was not pregnant at the time of her death.
Multan City Police Officer Sadiq Ali Dogar stated that initial findings suggest the death may be a suicide by hanging. The police investigation revealed that Sania, who married at 14, had a family history of suicidal behavior, including her brother’s suicide six months prior. However, the police are awaiting the full forensic report to conclusively determine the cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The case of Sania Zehra has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women and domestic abuse in Pakistan, with many calling for justice and stronger protections for vulnerable individuals. The public and advocacy groups are closely watching the developments in this case, demanding accountability and swift action from the authorities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the investigation progresses.
