Man arrested for blackmailing and assaulting couple in Islamabad

Police arrested Usman Mirza in Islamabad after a disturbing video went viral on social media where he could be seen torturing and assaulting a couple. He was also seen stripping a woman in the video.

The video sparked outrage across Pakistani Twitter, with #ArrestUsmanMirza appearing in the top trends.

The incident took place within Golra police station limits at an apartment building in sector E-11/2. The case was registered on the complaint of a sub-inspector.

“The video of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, five to six men can be seen keeping the victims in custody under gunpoint. The accused also stripped the man and the woman naked while threatening them,” the FIR said, adding that the suspects indulged in “vulgar acts”.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner said that the culprit had been arrested after police efforts. “His accomplices are also being arrested. It is once again requested to please delete the videos which show the victims,” he said.

With special efforts of @syedmustafapsp and @ICT_Police the culprit is arrested. His accomplices are also being arrested. It is once again requested to please delete the videos which show ID of victims. pic.twitter.com/gnaM8GXTT3

— Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) July 6, 2021

Later, the deputy commissioner said that all the suspects had been arrested.

Mirza reportedly threatened the young man and woman when some people tried to stop him.

Mirza is reportedly a property dealer.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Maleeka Bokhari tweeted that the Islamabad IG is leading the investigation.

Update on #UsmanMirza case. @ICT_Police is undertaking prompt action with IG Islamabad leading the investigation of these heinous crimes. I have recieved numerous messages of women feeling unsafe & angry. The State is here to protect you & will not spare such barbarians.

— Maleeka Ali Bokhari (@MalBokhari) July 7, 2021

“I have received numerous messages of women feeling unsafe and angry. The State is here to protect you & will not spare such barbarians,” Bokhari wrote.

Journalist Reem Khurshid asked people not to post or reshare the video. She tweeted, “The young woman and man were subjected to a horrific assault. “Don’t compound their trauma by circulating images of what is likely one of the worst moments of their lives.”

“The fear in eyes of the victim in the video reflects pervasive fear faced by women in our society,” said activist Ammar Ali Jan.

Too many women grow up in Pakistan with threat of severe violence if they undermine family "honour". The fear in eyes of the victim in the video reflects pervasive fear faced by women in our society. There is no escape from Usman Mirza without questioning this culture of cruelty.

— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) July 6, 2021