Shahdadpur, Sindh🇵🇰: A reported disappearance of a Hindu schoolgirl in Shahdadpur, Sindh, has drawn widespread attention after police confirmed her recovery following a search operation. The case has sparked renewed discussion about the protection of minors and the importance of a transparent legal process.
The girl, identified by her family as Gori Kumari, is a Grade 10 student and the daughter of Jhaman Das Lohana, a resident of the Sawai Road area in Shahdadpur.
According to her family, Gori Kumari went missing under unexplained circumstances. Relatives alleged that she may have been abducted and expressed fears of possible forced religious conversion and marriage. They also claimed they initially approached local police to register a complaint but alleged that an FIR was not immediately registered. Family members and members of the local Hindu community later staged a protest, demanding her safe recovery and a prompt investigation.
Police Confirm Recovery
According to Sindh Police, Gori Kumari was recovered in Kotri within approximately a day of her reported disappearance. Police stated that the girl was found along with a man identified as Arif Lashari, who has been taken into police custody as part of the investigation.
Police further stated that the girl has not converted her religion and is not married. Authorities also said that, based on the evidence collected so far, they have not found proof supporting claims of a religious conversion or marriage.
Officials have indicated that Gori Kumari is approximately 15 years and 5 months old, making her a minor under Pakistani law.
Statement Before the Court
The next stage of the investigation is expected to take place before the relevant court, where the minor’s statement will be recorded in accordance with legal procedures.
Her testimony will be an important part of determining the circumstances surrounding the case, including whether any criminal offence, including abduction, occurred or whether she left voluntarily. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence before reaching any final conclusions.
Calls for a Fair and Transparent Investigation
The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns raised by minority rights advocates regarding the protection of vulnerable communities in Sindh. Human rights organizations have consistently called for prompt, impartial investigations into cases involving missing or underage girls while emphasizing the importance of due process and the rule of law.
The family has appealed to the Government of Sindh and law enforcement authorities to ensure Gori Kumari’s safety, establish the facts through a transparent investigation, and take legal action if any criminal offence is found to have occurred.
Community representatives have also urged the Chief Minister of Sindh, the Inspector General of Police Sindh, and the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to ensure that the investigation proceeds fairly and in accordance with the law.
Every child, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background, is entitled to equal protection under the Constitution of Pakistan and the law. Authorities are expected to determine the facts based on evidence presented during the investigation and judicial proceedings.
This remains a developing story. Further updates will be published as official statements are released and court proceedings continue.
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting the Hindu and Sindhi communities in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
