Women accused of cyber-crime claim, 'We were set up'

By
Tanveer Khatana
|

MANCHESTER: The latest twist in the story of Sadia Mirza, the first woman arrested under the cybercrime law, is nothing less than an Indian soap opera — complete with extra-marital relationships and accusations — and the development is mind-boggling, to say the least.

Speaking exclusively to Geo.tv, Sameera — Sadia's sister, who is also one of the accused — said, "These cybercrime accusations are absolutely false; a normal Facebook chat has purposefully been portrayed as threatening."

Investigation is currently underway against Sadia Mirza. According to sources, the Federal Investigation Agency has decided to include the Telegraphic Act 25 B clause in the challan, which pertains to the cancellation of bail.

Sadia Mirza is the first female who was arrested in Pakistan under The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2015 (PECA) for “sending threatening, abusive, and lewd messages,” alongside threats of extortion made to Ahsan Rana, a resident of Manchester, UK. Hassan Rana, Ahsan's brother, thereafter registered a case against Mirza, which led the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) to conduct a raid and make the arrest in Sialkot last Saturday.

"Ahsan has grudges against me. Since he cannot do anything to me in the UK, he instead used some high-ranking officials in Pakistan to frame my sister and get her arrested," Sameera claimed. She added that her sister "is vulnerable" as she lived by herself in Pakistan.

Sameera went on to explain that Ahsan is not only her relative but her class fellow as well. "Two of his wives are my class fellows and friends too, and the third wife Nosheen David is my sister's classmate and friend. We all grew up together," she stated.

Claiming that she was a witness in one of Ahsan's weddings, Sameera stressed that she "has not played any role in him getting married or the marital troubles that followed."

Bringing a new perspective into her narrative, Sameera highlighted that Ahsan is still married to all three of his wives, of whom two are Christian and cousins. "He married these Christian girls to impress his peer sahib (faith healer). This has nothing to do with us, as he has not married or left anyone because of me or my sister."

It all started when Sadia wrote Ahsan's 'love story' in a status update on her Facebook profile, which led to a blame game.

"I filed a complaint against Ahsan with the local police here, in the UK, but they advised me to stay out of it as it was their personal matter," she added.

The British authorities also forbade the Mirza sisters — as well as other parties involved — not to write about each other on Facebook, explained Sameera.

Revisiting her concerns for her sister's safety, Sameera insisted that she was innocent and was being framed in this. "I demand a full investigation into this matter and urge the Pakistani government to assure security for my sister."

Speaking to Geo.tv over the phone, Ahsan rejected the allegations made by Sameera. He said the FIA takes action only when there is enough evidence available. “As you are aware that the FIA is investigating the matter. If there is enough evidence and proof only then they launch an FIR.”

Rana said the sisters have been blackmailing him. “These ladies have been interfering in my personal life since long, harassing and blackmailing me and my family in Pakistan. I am not their first victim. You may check Sadia Mirza's reputation from Sialkot, Pakistan. As this matter is in the court, I do not want to comment any further.”