Court orders release of mufti

Summons seminary head accused of rape, investigation team on August 30

RAWALPINDI:

An additional and sessions judge declared the arrest of both the principal of a madrasa and a female teacher in a molestation case illegal and ordered their release on interim bails. A hearing regarding rape allegations by a minor female student was held in the sessions court on the application of mufti's wife on Wednesday.

Additional Sessions Judge Malik Ijaz Asif said the police overstepped their authority and summoned the seminary administrator Shahnawaz and the investigation team to the court on August 30 with complete records.

The court also ordered the release of co-accused seminary teacher, Ishrat. The police have also been barred from arresting the prime suspect till the next hearing.

Speaking to the media after the hearing, the defence counsel said that the court had granted interim bail but the police still arrested his client from the court premises. He asked where they should seek justice from and demanded action against the police officers who misused their powers.

On this occasion, Shahnawaz said that justice has been served by the court and after consulting the lawyers, he will talk on the matter in detail.

On the other hand, the investigation team said that new provisions were imposed in the case after molestation of the minor student was confirmed.

They maintained that the arrest was in accordance with the law.

Victim complains of cops’ indecent attitude

The 16-year-old victim of an alleged rape in a religious seminary has complained to senior police officials against the indecent attitude of the investigating officers. The student also demanded protection against the stalkers.

Read Police record sought in seminary student case

According to details, a video statement of the victim has come to light in which the student says that she is being asked indecent questions by the investigating officers. Instead of questioning the suspect, the police are asking her embarrassing questions and even calling at late night.

The victim said that the police are putting a lot of pressure on her. She also complained that there is a threat to her life. Besides the police, she added other people are also stalking her house.

The student demanded that Prime Minister Imran Khan provide her justice. The student further said that the suspect should be arrested.

She added that she doesn’t want to use harsh words for a teacher, however, after what happened to her, she no longer respects the offender as a teacher.

The student appeared very upset about the police behaviour and said that those who asked her lewd questions should be ashamed of themselves. She said that the suspect should be questioned instead of her.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi CPO Ahsan Younas along with senior officers including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation Ghazanfar Shah reached the victim’s house late at night.

After meeting the victim’s family, he informed them about the interrogation process and ensured that from now onwards, further investigation from the victim will be carried out in the Women’s police station done by Headquarters SP Zaneera Azfar, SHO Women or Lady Police Officer in the presence of the mother of the victim.

The CPO informed the victim and her mother that the police need their cooperation and help to determine the facts and obtain evidence in the case. He said that the perpetrator can be punished only by fulfilling the requirements of the investigation

He ordered the provision of a government vehicle and a lady police officer to take the victim and her mother anywhere for interrogation. The SHO was also directed to follow all necessary steps for the protection of the victim.

Similarly, phone numbers of senior officers were also provided to the student and her mother. So that they can immediately inform Rawal SP, Headquarters SP, Investigation SSP or CPO directly in case of any problem regarding the case.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2021.