Rickshaw driver arrested for sexually harassing female passenger in Lahore

Accused played obscene videos on his mobile phone, attempted to forcibly remove the girl's scarf

LAHORE:

The Lahore police arrested a rickshaw driver who sexually assaulted and harassed a young girl in his vehicle. The accused, identified as Ali Raza, was apprehended on Tuesday following orders from SSP Investigation Dr Anush Masood.

The incident took place when the victim, whose identity remains protected, boarded Ali Raza's rickshaw earlier this month. Instead of providing safe transportation, the driver committed heinous acts that left the Punjab University student traumatised.

According to the complaint filed by the victim, Ali Raza played obscene videos on his mobile phone during the journey. Furthermore, he attempted to forcibly remove the girl's scarf while using vulgar and threatening language.

Fearful for her life and safety, the girl bravely shouted for help, prompting the driver to halt the rickshaw. In a fortunate turn of events, she managed to escape the horrifying situation by boarding another rickshaw.

Read more: Rickshaw driver harasses student, plays ‘inappropriate video’

Upon receiving the complaint, Muslim Town Police registered a case against Ali Raza. The authorities took assistance from various surveillance technologies, including Safe City cameras, CCTV footage, and rickshaw identification numbers, to track down the perpetrator.

SP Dr Aqeela Naqvi, while addressing the media, acknowledged the effective collaboration between law enforcement and technology, which led to the successful identification and arrest of the accused.

"Crimes against women will not be tolerated, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security," said SSP Dr Anush, emphasising the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.

DIG Investigation, Imran Kishor, also expressed confidence that the accused would be prosecuted effectively with the help of Police Prosecution Partnership. Such reprehensible acts must be met with severe consequences, as they have no place in a civilized society, he added.

The incident has sparked outrage among the public, with calls for stricter measures to protect women and vulnerable individuals from such incidents.