78 policemen suspended after Lahore station rape allegation

Punjab Police suspended 78 officials of Lahore's Ghaziabad Police Station after an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was

Punjab Police suspended 78 officials of Lahore’s Ghaziabad Police Station after an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a mentally challenged young woman inside the police station.

The action followed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under rape provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and relevant sections of the Police Order 2002. Senior police authorities immediately took notice of the incident and ordered the arrest of the suspect.

According to the complaint filed by the victim’s father, his 19 to 20-year-old daughter, who has a mental disability, left home on Sunday afternoon and did not return for some time. During the search, a local resident allegedly informed the family that a policeman in plain clothes had taken the girl away.

The complainant said he rushed to the Ghaziabad Police Station, where he was told that his daughter had already been sent home. After returning home, he found her in distress. He alleged that she told him a police official had taken her to the station and sexually assaulted her.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and arrested the accused ASI. Authorities also launched both criminal and departmental investigations into the matter.

As part of disciplinary action, 78 police personnel, including the station house officer (SHO), sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, front desk officials and other staff members, were suspended over alleged negligence, poor supervision and failure to maintain discipline at the police station. All suspended officials have been directed to report to Police Lines until further orders.

Police officials said maintaining discipline and ensuring a safe environment at police stations is the responsibility of every officer. They warned that negligence or irresponsible conduct would not be tolerated and pledged strict accountability at the police station level.

A new SHO has been appointed to take charge of Ghaziabad Police Station while the investigation continues.

Punjab Women Protection Authority Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt strongly condemned the incident, describing it as deeply disturbing and calling for strict legal action against those responsible.

Police said further legal and departmental proceedings will be carried out after the investigation is completed.