Mentally-challenged ‘molested’ at hospital

Victim went to hospital to see her grandmother

LAYYAH:

A 9-year-old mentally challenged was sexually assaulted in the district headquarters hospital within the limits of City Police Station.

A police spokesperson said 15-year-old Abrar raped the minor girl who came to visit her grandmother in the surgical ward.

The accused, who worked at a nearby General Bus Station as a porter, lured the victim to a deserted area of the hospital by offering her candies.

A CCTV footage of the incident was retracted, and the accused has been arrested while further legal proceedings are underway.

After the incident, CEO Health Dr Shahid Riaz said the security system of DHQ Hospital is in perfect condition and the culprit was caught with the help of these cameras. This is a second incident of a similar nature to take place at the District Headquarters Hospital within a short span of time. Earlier this month, a head nurse at the hospital was gang raped during a robbery attempt in the premises.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif took notice of the incident.

She has directed the authorities concerned to identify the accused involved after thorough investigation of the incident and has sought a report in this regard from the Inspector General (IG). Regarding the incident, the CM said “All those involved in the heinous crime should be punished severely”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.