Police apprehend three facilitators in Azerbaijani woman assault case within 12 hours

Lahore Police have made significant progress in the alleged sexual assault case involving a 20-year-old Azerbaijani national

LAHORE: Lahore Police have made significant progress in the alleged sexual assault case involving a 20-year-old Azerbaijani national in Defence-C, apprehending three alleged facilitators within 12 hours of receiving the initial emergency call.

According to details obtained by Minute Mirror, the investigation moved rapidly after the woman contacted police emergency helpline 15 at around 4am on September 26 after allegedly being dropped near Ghazi Interchange.

Police said their response team reached the location shortly afterwards, rescued the foreign national and shifted her to Defence-C Police Station. On the basis of her written complaint, FIR No. 2446/26 was registered under Sections 375-A and 337-J of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Police officials said the complainant underwent a medical examination and her detailed statement was recorded as part of the investigation. Authorities also facilitated contact with the relevant embassy for consular assistance.

Investigators subsequently collected and examined CCTV footage from the cafe in Defence, surrounding commercial areas, connecting roads and the route towards Ghazi Interchange.

According to police sources, analysis of CCTV recordings, technical evidence and other investigative leads led to the apprehension of three alleged facilitators within 12 hours of the incident.

Police sources said two of the suspects are women who were allegedly present with the complainant at the cafe, while another is a man who allegedly arranged the flat or location where the incident is believed to have occurred.

Investigators are questioning the three suspects to establish their alleged role and trace the three main accused, who remain at large. Police sources said the main suspects have been identified through CCTV footage and technical evidence.

An official involved in the investigation said the rapid response following the emergency call enabled investigators to secure CCTV footage and other evidence at an early stage.

Meanwhile, police have also obtained the complainant’s travel history, which reportedly shows that she had visited Pakistan three times in 2026.

According to the investigation, her first visit took place in March, followed by a second visit in May, while her latest visit was in September when the alleged incident occurred.

A senior investigation officer said authorities were examining her business contacts and activities during all three visits to determine how she came into contact with the alleged facilitators.

Police sources further alleged that the facilitators helped arrange the complainant’s meeting with the main suspects on the pretext of going for a drive. The investigation is also examining allegations that an intoxicating substance was administered before the alleged assault and that two mobile phones were taken from the complainant.

Police have formed special teams to locate the three main suspects and recover the allegedly snatched mobile phones. Investigators are also attempting to locate the flat or other premises where the alleged offence took place.

A senior Lahore Police official said substantial progress had been made within 12 hours, including registration of the FIR, completion of the medical examination, embassy coordination, collection of CCTV footage and apprehension of three alleged facilitators.

The official said the investigation would continue according to law and that efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of a foreign national and the alleged incident taking place in Defence-C. Police said their investigation is continuing, while the allegations against the suspects remain subject to the legal process.