Haripur — Statements attributed to three minors who were arrested in connection with the Ayat Noor murder case and later released on bail have raised grave allegations of sexual abuse, physical mistreatment and threats while in police custody. The allegations were reported in a social media post by IBC Urdu. According to an image of that post provided to Margalla News, the young people claimed they were subjected to inhumane treatment in detention.
The social media post alleged that the incidents took place at Haripur's TIP and Saddar police stations. Accusations were attributed to the young people against particular police officers, and the post claimed that an application seeking action had been submitted to the relevant police officer's office. However, there is currently no independent confirmation of formal receipt of the complaint, a medical examination or any official inquiry into these new allegations. They must therefore be treated as allegations, not established offences.
This is not the first time questions have been raised about police treatment of minors detained in the case. Hazara Express News reported on September 24 that the families of detained young people complained of alleged abuse and inhumane treatment and called for an independent investigation. Those earlier allegations of police mistreatment had not been conclusively verified either.
On October 1, 2026, the Abbottabad bench of the Peshawar High Court granted post-arrest bail to three people held in the Ayat Noor murder case. According to The Express Tribune and other outlets, the court ordered their release against bail bonds of Rs100,000. Defence counsel said at the hearing that a renewed police investigation had not found sufficient direct evidence against the three. Granting bail does not amount to acquittal or a final court judgment on all allegations in the case.
Justice and an independent, transparent investigation are also essential in the original case concerning Ayat Noor's death. After the body of the young girl was discovered in Haripur in August, questions emerged both about the investigation and the alleged treatment of minors arrested in connection with it. The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Rights also reviewed the case and stressed the need for a transparent investigation.
Margalla News has not obtained a detailed new response from the police authorities or named officers concerning the recent allegations of sexual abuse in custody, nor the findings of any independent medical or judicial inquiry. Rather than repeat names mentioned in the social media post, the report focuses on protecting the minors, independently investigating the claims and ensuring accountability under the law.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, impartial authorities should clarify whether a complaint has been received and what preliminary inquiries have taken place, preserve any relevant medical or forensic evidence, protect the identities and safety of those affected, and allow all parties to respond. Any proven misconduct should be addressed under the law; if the allegations are found unfounded, the reasons should also be explained transparently.