Laiba Ijaz case: Suspect faces another fraud allegation involving Rs8.5 million
A new fraud allegation has emerged against Muhammad Nauman, the suspect being investigated in connection with the alleged suicide of International Islamic University Islamabad gold medallist Laiba Ijaz, with a family in Mansehra accusing him of taking Rs8.5 million on the promise of securing government jobs for six children.
According to police, the suspect allegedly collected the money from the family and provided appointment letters that later proved to be fake when the documents were verified.
The family subsequently registered a fraud case against Nauman and his alleged accomplices in Mansehra. The suspect fled after the case was registered and was declared a proclaimed offender in that case, police said.
The affected family has also approached the federal police with the relevant documents, seeking action over the alleged fraud.
Nauman is separately being investigated over allegations that he defrauded Laiba and her family by posing as an influential government official and promising to arrange admission and a visa for her to pursue higher education in the United States.
According to the case registered on the complaint of Laiba’s father, Rs9.3 million was agreed upon for arranging her travel and admission to the US.
The family alleged that Rs2.1 million was paid in cash, while Rs2.9 million was transferred from Laiba’s bank account.
The family alleges that Nauman subsequently supplied fake documents and stopped communicating with them when they demanded the return of their money.
Laiba had earned a gold medal for her bachelor’s degree from the International Islamic University Islamabad and wanted to continue her education in the United States.
Her family had hired a consultant to assist with the admission and visa process, but the alleged fraud came to light when the documents were checked.
The Federal Investigation Agency has also registered a case against Nauman and an alleged female accomplice over the alleged Rs9.3 million fraud involving Laiba’s family.
On October 12, a local court granted Nauman five days of physical remand for further investigation. The court’s order allows investigators to question him in connection with the case.
The Mansehra allegation could widen the scope of the investigation into the suspect’s alleged financial dealings. However, the details of that case and any direct connection with the allegations involving Laiba have yet to be independently established.
The allegations against Nauman remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.