Police accused of botching rape case

RAWALPINDI:

A widow has accused Sadiqabad police of mishandling her rape complaint by registering the accused as a missing person rather than initiating a criminal case under sexual assault charges.

The complainant, Mashal Kanwal, approached the Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) after the investigating officer allegedly refused to register her application against her tenant, named as Azeemullah, who she claims raped her, recorded immoral videos, blackmailed her and subjected her to harassment and violence.

According to Kanwal, her husband had passed away and the accused, a former friend of her late spouse, had rented a room in her home. She alleges that he subsequently coerced her into sexual relations.

When she approached the police, she claims the accused lured her away, promising marriage to keep her silent, before resuming abuse and blackmail using photographs.

Despite her request for a medical examination and registration of a rape case, Assistant Sub-Inspector Khurram allegedly summoned her to the police station and instead filed a report declaring the accused "missing" and not returning home.

After the complainant personally visited the CPO's office seeking redress, the officer took notice of the matter, transferred the original investigator and ordered a fresh inquiry in accordance with law.