On Thursday night, a gang-rape shocked Lahore as three armed robbers assaulted a woman in front of her husband and their three-year-old daughter.
The incident took place around 11:30 pm in the Hafizabad district while the family was travelling to Chiniot by motorcycle. The assailants intercepted them near Sukheke.
Here’s What Happened
The robbers forced the woman into nearby fields and sexually assaulted her while her husband and child watched. The suspects then fled the scene. The family reported the crime to local authorities, but a jurisdictional dispute between Hafizabad and Nankana Sahib police delayed the response.
Initially, the Hafizabad police received the call but redirected it to Nankana Sahib, claiming the crime occurred within their jurisdiction. Nankana Sahib police contested this claim, which led to further delays. The authorities left the family unattended for over an hour before intervening.
Once the dispute was resolved, Hafizabad police were directed to register the case and investigate the crime. Authorities have since arrested one suspect from the crime scene. Two pistols were recovered from his possession during the arrest. The suspect has confessed to his involvement and revealed that his accomplices fled towards Rawalpindi. A police team has been dispatched to Rawalpindi to track down and apprehend the remaining two suspects.
The rape survivor has been transferred to a hospital where she is receiving medical care. Her condition is reported to be stable, though she remains deeply traumatized by the incident.
The case has ignited widespread outrage and calls for stronger protective measures for women and a more efficient response from law enforcement agencies. The incident has drawn significant attention both nationally and internationally. Authorities face pressure to conduct a thorough investigation and deliver justice for the victim swiftly.
News Sources: Dawn & Aaj News.
