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Upsurge in public disquiet over rising rape incidents

By: Imran Chaudhry

LAHORE: The growing cases of violence against women and underage girls, sexual abuses in particular, has sent shock waves among citizens over feeble security measures and non-implementation of laws that allows offenders to circumvent penalization.

At least seven rape cases have been reported in the metropolis as well as other cities of the province in the last week alone. Three rape cases were reported in different areas of the city – Mughalpura, Manga Mnadi and Shahdra Town police area. However, four rape cases were also reported in areas of Kasur, Faislabad, Shujabad and Gujaranwala during the same period.

Despite suspicion of involvement, more than 30 suspects, who were interrogated, including two guards of Ganga Ram Hospital, could not be arrested.

Investigation teams issued a sketch of a suspect on Tuesday namely Zafar Iqbal of Okara and Malshiya (massager) by profession. Police collected his complete profile and cell phone data to find any solid clue to find his suspected involvement in the incident. Police also conducted DNA test of arrested suspects but did not announce confirmation about the main culprits.

Doctors and parents of the five-year-old rape victim told media persons that the condition of the minor was improving day by day ‘but currently she is unable to talk long time because doctor advised her to complete bed rest for early recovery’.

Doctors said the routine check up, her test reports and other imported medical treatment was under observation on daily basis and seniors apprised of their satisfaction about her early recovery.

Police said that investigation teams were thoroughly probing the issue and working day and night. Police said law enforcers teams arrested several suspects in Mughalpura and its surrounding areas who have provided some relevant information. However, some arrests made by the police have not been confirmed as yet. Police said there was much confusion in this case as the footage of CCTV of around 80 to 90 minutes was missing which has hampered investigation process to some extent.

The new rape cases in Manga Mandi, Shahdra Town and other cities of the province with minors spread new wave of terror among the citizens. The parents of the minor especially aged between five and 10 are facing serious mental depression after they heard and saw such incidents happened with minors by some savages.

While talking to Daily Times, several citizens said people were facing different challenges faced by whole nation including terrorism, corruption, price hike and poverty. They said the new trend of rape cases with minors have created depression among the citizens. They added that traditionally children play on streets, outside their houses, grounds near their places and neighbours’ houses but after incidents of sexual abuses, parents are now worried about their offspring and not allowing them to go out even for recreational activities.

They further said law enforcers had failed to implement the law strictly that had surged such incidents.
On the other hand, the citizen belonging to different walks of life expressed their views that government and opposition could enact do legislation over this issue and demanded death penalty for child abusers.
Earlier, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday told the National Assembly that there was a need for effective implementation of existing laws against abuses with minor children, and making them stricter.

He said strict action over such cases was required for quick response from the police, judiciary and also from the general public. He suggested that any parliamentarian could submit a bill in this regard and the house will support it. Nisar also said the recent rape of a five-year child was shameful and assured that appropriate measures will be taken to stop such incidents in future.

Daily Times