Investigation under way: Forest official arrested in molestation case

Accused’s bail before arrest was cancelled and he was arrested on court premises.

MANSEHRA:

A forest official was arrested from the court when his bail before arrest was cancelled by the additional district judge in a case of alleged sexual molestation.

The Kaghan police had registered a case against Meer Afzal*, a forester, on June 23 on the complaint of 21-year-old Raheela*. In her statement, she said that Meer Afzal was her father’s friend and had started visiting their home frequently during the last eight months, during which time they became friends. During their courtship, the complainant told the police that he sexually molested her several times and repeatedly promised to marry her.

However, about a week before she registered her complaint, Raheela told the police that her father learnt of their liaison. Meer Afzal again promised to marry her, but began to avoid her after a few days and stopped visiting their home.

On her complaint, the police conducted a medical examination. A criminal case was registered against the accused, who obtained bail before arrest from a local court.

However, when he appeared before the court of Balakot Additional Judge Ahmed Sultan Tareen for the confirmation of his bail, the court cancelled it and he was arrested from the premises. The police produced him before the local magistrate on Wednesday and obtained a two-day physical remand for investigation.

*Name has been changed to protect identity

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2014.