By Saleem Mubarak
LAHORE–A gang of three robbers allegedly preyed upon a Christian woman and subjected her to rape in the remit of Sandal Bar police, Faisalabad, on Tuesday night.
Second Rape Case in Eight Months
The latest victim added insult to injury as another Christian woman was raped just eight months ago within the same police jurisdiction.
Police said that a special team has been put together under SP Iqbal Town to track down the suspects of the latest case.
Victim’s Report to Police
In an application submitted to the police, Adnan Masih, of Chak 62-JB, Channan, said that he was riding his motorcycle home after picking up his wife (S) from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad’s hostel on Jhang Road on Tuesday night.
He said that when they set foot near the Service Road close to the Motorway Bridge in Chak 62-JB, Channan, two armed men held them at gunpoint. The robbers snatched his mobile phone, Rs 800 in cash, and the national identity card of his wife.
“They dragged me to a nearby field and tied me up with the drawstring from my trousers,” he said. The robbers then called in their third accomplice and led my wife away to another field, where they committed the heinous crime of rape and fled from the scene.
Police lodged the case on Wednesday under Sections 375-A and 392 of the Pakistan Penal Code, but the culprits are still at large.
Journalist’s Critique of Police Inefficiency
Ahtshamul Haq, a broadcast journalist, told Grand Lines News that street crimes are spiraling out of control in Faisalabad with every passing day, while the investigators are groping in the dark for clues about the suspects.
He said that inexperienced people have been appointed as SHOs in police stations. These officers are unable to effectively track down criminals or curb the rising crime wave. Instead, they prefer rubbing shoulders with the powerful or harassing citizens to serve their vested interests, he added.
Accusations of Police Prioritizing Political Agendas
Rather than protecting the public, he claimed that the police are dancing to the tune of their high-ups and targeting a political party.
“The duty of the police department is to protect the masses and their property. However, they are doing the opposite, which is why criminals are having a field day looting the people of Faisalabad with impunity.”
Police Officer’s Response and Assurance of Justice
A police officer, requesting anonymity, told GL News, “Crime is crime; we never judge victims based on their religion or background.” He added, ‘We believe that justice must be blind.”
He said that special teams have been formed to trace the criminals, and “sooner or later, they will be behind the bars.”
Suspects in Custody and Ongoing Investigation
He revealed that three suspects have already been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway to leave no stone unturned in gathering concrete evidence.
Faisalabad police spokesperson, Muneeb Ahmed, said that every trick in the book is being used to net the criminals.
Minister’s Intervention and Demands for Action
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, also took notice of the incident and reached out to City Police Officer Bilal Umer. The minister reportedly urged the CPO to crack down on the culprits immediately.
He further directed him to ensure the safety of the victim and her husband, along with a thorough medical examination and proper medical care.
Moreover, he sought a comprehensive report on the incident within 48 hours.
