Schoolgirl gang rape: Police yet to find clues to suspects

Medical report confirms sexual assault, but official says its time is not confirmed

HARIPUR: The Haripur police are still groping in the dark in trying to find the whereabouts of suspects who had allegedly gang-raped a
school girl.

Four days ago, K* - a ninth grader studying at a private school - had accused the school’s owner and principal, Naveed Akhtar of forcing her into a classroom on the second floor of the school where three of his unidentified accomplices allegedly raped her.

Based on her complaint, police registered a case against four men, including the rapists and the school’s owner, under Section 376/34 of the PPC.

A police investigation team, headed by Sub Inspector Iqbal Shah Mishwani, visited the school along with some female members of Haripur’s Dispute Resolution Council. They reviewed CCTV footage and recorded statements of victim’s classmates and acquaintances.

Members of the investigating team said a medical examination of the victim confirmed the sexual assault, but it was unclear when it took place, raising suspicions.

However, police sources say investigators were examining the case through different angles.

He added that material collected for medical analysis has been sent to Peshawar for further chemical examinations.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family has accused the suspects of using their influence to coerce doctors and police. They contended that the delay in arresting the accused was proof of this collusion.

*NAME WITHHELD TO PROTECT IDENTITY

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th, 2016.