78 Officials Suspended Over Alleged Rape Case
News Desk
Lahore: Questions over police accountability have intensified after an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old mentally disabled woman at Ghaziabad police station, prompting authorities to suspend 78 police officials, including the station’s SHO.
The incident has sparked a departmental crackdown, with senior police officials ordering strict action against those accused of negligence and failure to prevent the alleged crime within the premises of a police facility.
According to police sources, ASI Imran, a member of the investigation wing, allegedly brought woman to the police station on August 2 after finding her on streets. Officials said the officer told a constable at the station entrance that the woman had been brought for investigation.
The woman was allegedly taken to a room inside the police station, where the assault is said to have occurred. Following the complaint, the DIG (Investigations) ordered legal proceedings against ASI Imran, who was subsequently arrested and placed in police custody for further investigation.
The higher authorities also suspended the investigation officer for alleged poor supervision, while the DIG (Operations) ordered the suspension of 78 personnel, including the SHO, front desk officials, and other staff members of Ghaziabad police station.
The case came to light after the woman’s mother approached police on August 2, reporting that her daughter had gone missing and had not returned home. During the search, a local resident, Faisal Yousaf, allegedly informed the family that a policeman in civilian clothes had taken the woman away on a motorcycle.
The mother said her daughter returned home later that evening and was in distress. She alleged that her daughter identified ASI Imran as the person responsible for the assault and claimed the incident took place inside Room No. 4 of the police station.
The police have launched an investigation into the allegations, while further action against the suspended officials will depend on the findings of the inquiry. Input from Aaj News website.
