Three held for shocking forcible hair cutting of woman

Incident reportedly stemmed from tensions over victim's social media activity

RAWALPINDI:

Naseerabad Police have registered a criminal case and arrested three suspects who were involved in the alleged assault of a young woman and the forcible cutting of her hair, footage of which subsequently went viral on social media.

The video circulating online showed several individuals allegedly cutting the girl's hair against her will. The matter was initially reviewed by the federal police; however, once it was established that the incident had occurred within the jurisdiction of Rawalpindi, the case was formally referred to the Rawalpindi Police. Following this, Rawalpindi City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani constituted a special police team and instructed that lawful action be undertaken without delay.

Investigations revealed that the incident had taken place near Christian Colony, close to the water tank. Consequently, on behalf of the state, a case was registered on the complaint of DFC Asad Hussain under Sections 337(V) and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to the forcible cutting of a person's hair by multiple offenders.

In the FIR, Asad Hussain stated that while on duty he had come across a widely circulated social media video depicting a girl's hair being cut by force. His subsequent inquiries established the victim's identity as Eman Fatima, daughter of Muhammad Ibrahim, a resident of Dhoke Khaba, Rawalpindi. The alleged perpetrators were identified as Nazar Khan alias Arman, Muhammad Anees alias Durrani, Jaleel Khan alias Mithu, and Jabbar Khan, together with several unidentified accomplices. The suspects had allegedly filmed the act after cutting the girl's hair and had disseminated the footage on social media.

A formal case was registered, and Sub-Inspector Zulfiqar Haider was appointed as the investigating officer. Police officials confirmed that three suspects were apprehended during late-night raids, while efforts continue to arrest the remaining individuals.

It is pertinent to mention that, in her video statement, the victim accused four to five men and four women—including a woman named Sana—of subjecting her to mistreatment. Police officials stated that the case has been duly registered, the investigation remains ongoing, and further details will emerge as inquiries progress.

CPO Hamdani affirmed that violence, coercion, and exploitation against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and assured that all those involved will be arrested and brought to justice.

Police inquiries within the jurisdictions of Naseerabad and Lohi Bher Police Stations have revealed that Eman, the young woman subjected to mistreatment, had been active on the social media platform TikTok.

Initial investigations further indicated that approximately six weeks ago, a woman named Sana had invited her to a birthday celebration at her residence, reportedly owing to Eman's rising popularity on TikTok.

During the event, Sana, Arman, and several other attendees allegedly pressed her to accompany them to Islamabad to work at a "spa". When Eman declined, Arman's wife is said to have informed Arman and the others of her refusal.

Arman then allegedly reacted in anger, forcibly cutting Eman's hair and subjecting her to further mistreatment. At the time, three to four other women and several additional suspects were also present.

The arrested suspects will be produced before the court today (Wednesday) for remand, and the investigation will now proceed towards the recovery of mobile phones and other relevant evidence.