Robbers allegedly gang-rape teenager
Reported crimes against women have risen dramatically in India in recent years and particularly following the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in New Delhi in 2012. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
A teenage girl was allegedly gang-raped by robbers in the limits of Sadr Pattoki police station on Thursday.
Police said that Zahoor Ahmed, his 15-year-old daughter and his 5-year-old son were returning to their village after attending a marriage function when a gang of suspects intercepted them near Pattoki-Chunian bypass.
The suspects took Zahoor to a nearby field and bound him with a rope. Later, they allegedly raped his daughter, fleeing the scene when passersby came to rescue her after she made a noise.
Upon information, DPO Kasur Sohaib Ashraf and DSP Pattoki reached the spot with a contingent of police officers.
The victim was shifted to THQ hospital where after a medical examination, it was confirmed that she was gang-raped.
DPO Kasur Muhammad Sohaib Ashraf said teams from the Punjab Forensic Lab and Crime Scene Unit had collected evidence from the spot while five teams of CIA and district police had been formed to arrest the accused. He said that a suspect involved in the incident had been arrested and an investigation was underway.
A case of robbery and rape was registered. Meanwhile, IG Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan sought a report from RPO Sheikhupura regarding the incident.
The IGP also directed DPO Kasur to remain in contact with the affected family and ensure justice for the affected girl on a priority basis.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz visited the house of the victim girl in the surrounding village Khokhar Ashraf of Chunian.
The CM met with the affected girl, her father and other family members and assured them of the early arrest of the accused along with the provision of justice.
He remarked that justice would not only prevail but would also be seen to prevail. The CM assured the family that the government was standing by them and would provide them all possible assistance.
He said the investigation of the case would be conducted by the outstanding and professional officers of Lahore.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2022.