19 days on, police yet to arrest rapists of woman

Nineteen days on, police have yet to arrest two suspects involved in the rape of a mother of two who was lured with a promise of job. The victim, wife of Ali Shan, narrated her harrowing ordeal while talking to The Express Tribune.

According to the victim, she had befriended a man identified as Syed Ali on Facebook two months ago, who subsequently lured her to an apartment in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Block 19, with the promise of employment.

As soon as she reached his flat, she found Mubeen, a friend of Syed Ali, already present. At his friend's instructions, Mubeen threatened her with a handgun, warning her that raising alarm would result in dire consequences. Despite her pleas and disclosure of being a mother of two, the accused sexually assaulted her.

The victim reported the incident at Sharea Faisal police station, where a case was registered against Syed Ali and Mubeen. She also underwent a medical examination, during which DNA samples were collected.

However, the victim expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation, claiming that police efforts seemed limited, with only one raid conducted thus far. Subsequent visits to the police station yielded little cooperation from the investigating officer.

Adding to her distress, the victim revealed that both Syed Ali and Mubeen have been granted pre-arrest bail. She has since appealed to police bosses, including IG Sindh, AIG Karachi, DIG East, and other officers, urging them to expedite the arrest of the accused and ensure that they face punishment.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2024.