Family alleges threats silenced the minor during investigation
Kasur Rape Victim Attempts Self-Immolation After Court Acquittal
KASUR: A 13-year-old girl allegedly raped by a police officer in Baga Hithar village attempted self-immolation on Friday after a local court acquitted all accused in her case.
According to the FIR, the minor was allegedly raped by a policeman in 2022, with two female relatives of the accused also implicated—one for assisting the perpetrator and the other for allegedly coercing the victim to take abortion medicine.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that the victim had been impregnated by the accused and had remained silent due to threats. Despite this, Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Azeem Sheikh acquitted all three accused, citing benefit of the doubt and DNA evidence.
Victim Rescued With Serious Burns
After hearing the verdict, the victim poured petrol on herself near a treatment plant on Dipalpur Road and set herself on fire. Passersby intervened and rushed her to DHQ Hospital, after which she was referred to Lahore Jinnah Hospital due to critical burn injuries.
District Police Officer Essa Khan Sukhaira ordered an investigation to review possible flaws in the case that may have contributed to the acquittal. A police spokesperson clarified that the accused officer had been dismissed from service following the incident, but the court acquitted him based on DNA profiling results.
- The case highlights systemic challenges in prosecuting crimes involving law enforcement officials.
- Experts argue that threats and intimidation during investigation may prevent victims from presenting full testimonies.
- Public outrage and trauma underscore the urgent need for judicial reform and victim protection mechanisms in sensitive cases.
Traffic Police Misconduct Sparks Arrests
In a separate incident, the A Division Police arrested two traffic assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), Abdul Razag and Iftikhar Ahmed, after a video went viral showing them misbehaving with a rickshaw driver, Waqar Asghar, of Qadirabad.
The FIR lodged by SI Ashfaq Ahmed stated that the driver had parked in a no-parking zone, but the officers’ conduct in the viral footage drew widespread criticism. The District Police Officer acted swiftly, ordering the officials’ arrest, reinforcing accountability within the force.
- Viral social media content continues to expose misconduct among public officials, prompting immediate administrative action.
- Such incidents reflect the power of citizen reporting and digital platforms in holding authorities accountable.
- Analysts suggest training and strict enforcement are needed to prevent abuse of power by law enforcement personnel.
Rape Case
- What: Minor rape victim attempts self-immolation after acquittal of accused.
- Why: Court acquitted police officer and relatives; victim felt justice denied.
- Where: Baga Hithar village, Ganda Singh Police Station limits, Kasur.
- How: Victim poured petrol on herself; rescued by passersby; referred to Jinnah Hospital.
Traffic Police Misconduct
- What: Two ASIs arrested after harassing a rickshaw driver.
- Why: Viral video highlighted misbehavior and abuse of authority.
- Where: Qadirabad, under A Division Police jurisdiction.
How: Arrests made following FIR and public outcry on social media.