Pakistan suspends 78 police officers after alleged rape inside Lahore police station

By Ali Imran Chattha | Nazrana Times
LAHORE, Pakistan, Aug. 4  — Pakistani authorities have suspended 78 police officers, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of Lahore's Ghaziabad Police Station, after an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was arrested over allegations of raping a young woman inside the police station, officials said on Tuesday.
A local court granted the accused ASI a four-day physical remand to allow investigators to continue questioning him and collect further evidence.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Naveed Qureshi said preliminary findings suggested the alleged incident took place inside the police station. He said the victim had undergone a medico-legal examination and investigators were awaiting forensic and medical reports.
Punjab Police said the suspended officials include the SHO, two Sub-Inspectors, eight Assistant Sub-Inspectors and other police personnel posted at the station. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage, duty records and other evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and whether additional officers were negligent or involved.
The case has drawn widespread public attention and renewed scrutiny of police accountability and the safety of women in custody and at police facilities in Pakistan.
Authorities said further disciplinary and legal action would be taken if the investigation identifies additional officials responsible for misconduct or negligence.
The investigation is ongoing. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.