Good deed punished: Policewoman persecuted for helping rape victim

Official say main accused turns to policeman-turned-politician for help

GILGIT: When all else fails, it seems the criminals in the country turn to politicians to pull them out of a sticky situation. Such was the case when one of the main suspects in a gang rape case in Gilgit Town turned to an influential political figure.

A woman from Gojal registered a case with a police station in Gilgit, accusing Zulfiqar, Asif and Adnan of gang raping her.

“A former policeman-turned-politician is making efforts to save Asif’s skin,” an official privy to the development told The Express Tribune. “He wants to make Asif an approver.”

Asif, a resident of Nomal and the main accused, was remanded into police custody by a local court for 10 days. Zulfiqar has been sent to jail while Adnan managed to evade arrest.

“Inspector Zarina Zafar was even punished for helping the victim,” he said. Zafar reportedly helped the victim register a case and also helped her get a medical examination.

According to the official, her actions angered a former police officer turned politician who decided to punish her. Consequently, a fake case was registered against Zafar at the Jutial police station for attacking Asif and she was kept there for several hours.

“Her only crime was to help the victim,” the official added.

Not a single senior police official was immediately available to comment. Mubarak Jan, the official spokesperson, was also on leave.

However, SP Tahira Yasub said the services of a policewoman were provided to assist the victim with her physical examination.

“We cannot comment further as the matter wasn’t registered at the women’s police station,” Yasub told The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, G-B Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman has taken notice of the case and asked the police chief to submit a report.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2015.