This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Woman Accused Of Murdering Her Husband And Accidentally Killing 14 Others

Poisoned milk intended for the woman's husband was turned into a yoghurt-like drink that was distributed among his family.
Asiya Bibi has denied the allegations.
Geo.tv
Asiya Bibi has denied the allegations.

A 20-year-old woman from Pakistan who is accused of murdering her husband is also alleged to have accidentally killed 14 members of his family, Geo TV reports.

Carrying out a plot which was reportedly designed by the accused, her alleged lover and his aunt, Asiya Bibi is said to have poisoned milk intended for her husband to drink.

However after he refused, the poisoned substance was instead used to make lassi -- a yoghurt-like drink -- that was then distributed amongst his family, the BBC reported.

The current death toll stands at 15 after a seven-year-old girl died after consuming the poisoned drink.

According to reports, investigators allege Bibi had set out to poison her husband after being forced into an arranged marriage in September.

The Independent quoted a police officer as saying that the woman "was not happy" and had "concocted the plot to avenge being married against her will".

Police told the BBC that Bibi has been charged with murder while her co-conspirators have been arrested and charged under anti-terror law.

According to the British Government's Forced Marriage Unit -- a service providing advice and support in relation to such marriages -- victims from Pakistan accounted for 43 percent of cases involving individuals who were "at risk of, or had already, been taken to in connection with a forced marriage".

In addition to this it is estimated that 21 percent of girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18.

Bibi has denied all of the allegations levelled against her.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.