Entire Lahore Police Station Staff Suspended Over Woman's Rape Allegation
Pakistan police launch probe after a woman alleges she was raped inside a police station by an officer; SHO held accountable.
Pakistani authorities have suspended the entire staff of a police station in Lahore after a woman alleged she was raped inside the premises by a police officer, prompting an investigation into the incident.
The alleged victim, a woman in her 20s who is reportedly mentally impaired, accused an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) from the Investigation Wing of sexually assaulting her after taking her to the Ghaziabad police station on Sunday, according to Pakistani media reports.
A case has been registered under Pakistan's rape law and relevant provisions of the Police Order dealing with police misconduct. Authorities have launched an investigation, while a medical examination has been ordered to determine the facts surrounding the allegation.
Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran confirmed the suspension of the entire police station staff, saying the station house officer (SHO) bears overall responsibility for everything that occurs within the police station.
"Anything that happens in a police station ultimately falls under the responsibility of the SHO," Kamran said, adding that although the accused officer belonged to the Investigation Wing, both the Investigation and Operations Wings function from the same premises and share administrative responsibility.
He said the decision to suspend the SHO and station staff was taken to ensure accountability while the investigation is underway.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the woman's father told police that his daughter left home on Sunday afternoon and did not return. During the family's search, a witness allegedly informed them that a policeman in civilian clothes had taken her away on a motorcycle.
The incident has reignited concerns over police accountability and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody in Pakistan, where allegations of abuse by law enforcement have previously drawn widespread criticism.
Authorities said further action would depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and medical examination.
