‘Blind murder’ theory falls apart as TikToker killing probe uncovers family plot

The murder investigation into 28-year-old TikToker Shamsu Bibi, also known as Ayesha Gilamana, in Taxila took a dramatic turn on Saturday, with police alleging that her father, biological brother and close relatives were involved in the conspiracy to kill her. Police have arrested five suspects, including her father and brother, while the two alleged shooters are also in custody. Rawalpindi Operations SSP Malik Tariq Mehboob told a presser that preliminary investigations suggested Ayesha’s family disapproved of her TikTok and other social media activities, which had become a major source of conflict within the family. He said evidence gathered so far indicated that Ayesha had allegedly been killed in the name of honour and that her father, brother and other close relatives were allegedly involved in planning the murder. According to the SSP, an attempt was initially made to portray the killing as a blind murder and mislead the police by creating the impression that outsiders were responsible. However, as investigators widened the scope of the probe, evidence began pointing towards members of the victim’s own family. Mehboob said investigators examined footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras and used human intelligence and other sources to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder. The victim’s father and brother were subsequently brought into the investigation, following which details of the alleged planning and the roles of various suspects began to emerge. The SSP said the investigation indicated that Ayesha’s father Fazal, brother Bashir and other close relatives were allegedly involved in the conspiracy. In a surprising development, her father became the complainant in the murder case after her death, allegedly in an attempt to conceal the facts and mislead the law. He further disclosed that an earlier attempt had also allegedly been made to kill Ayesha. The suspects had reportedly planned to target her during a wedding ceremony in Haripur, but she escaped the attack after changing her route. Malik said five suspects had so far been arrested: the victim’s father Fazal, biological brother Bashir, cousin Ahsan, her father’s uncle Rozi Khan and the son of her cousin, Yasin. The two alleged shooters are also in police custody, while one of the arrested suspects has allegedly confessed during interrogation. The SSP said the preliminary investigation indicated that the murder was an alleged honour killing, but the probe was continuing and further significant revelations could emerge. He said investigators would strengthen the evidence against the arrested suspects before submitting the challan to the court.