We have failed you, Shanti: Ayesha Omar mourns marital rape victim’s death

Actor penned tribute on social media and prayed for justice

Ayesha Omar took to Instagram on Thursday to register her shock over the death of Shanti, one of the country’s latest casualties of martial assault.  

“May your soul rest in eternal peace. May Allah give your family strength,” the actor wrote. 

“I’m sorry we failed you, Shanti. May justice be served.” 

The actor acknowledged the patriarchal system that makes women subjected to unspeakable crimes. She wrote, “Praying that this misogynistic society can heal and transform for the better one day.”

Users joined in Omar’s prayers, expressing despair at the horrific situation. One comment read, “May Allah protect us. Assault and rape cases have started to circulate the news everyday. The internet is scary now.” 

Another asked mothers to raise their sons better. “Mothers should stop trying to find beautiful brides for mental patients like him. I request all mothers to be more mindful of what their sons are up to,” added another commenter. 

Shanti, 19, was reportedly subjected to severe physical abuse by her husband in Lyari before succumbing to her injuries at Civil Hospital’s Trauma Centre on Wednesday. She had been married for just over two weeks when the alleged abuse occurred.

According to police, an FIR was registered on July 5 on the complaint of the victim’s brother, Saiyon. The suspect, Ashok, son of Mohan, was taken into custody shortly after the complaint was filed and remains in jail as investigations continue.

The FIR states that Shanti married Ashok on June 16. Just one day after the wedding, and again on June 18, she was allegedly subjected to brutal physical violence. 

Upon returning to her family home on June 30 due to deteriorating health, she confided in her brother about the ordeal. She claimed that Ashok had bitten her multiple times and had threatened to kill her if she spoke out.

Saiyon told police that after Shanti’s condition worsened, her in-laws initially took her to a private hospital but returned her to her family when there was no improvement. 

On July 4, he brought her to the Civil Hospital’s Trauma Centre, where she remained under treatment until her death.

PS Baghdadi SHO Majid Alvi confirmed the arrest, stating that Ashok was taken into custody immediately after the FIR was lodged. “The accused is currently in jail and further investigation is underway,” he added.