LAHORE: Lahore Police have arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman with a mental illness in the Ghaziabad area. Meanwhile, senior police officials ordered disciplinary action, leading to the suspension of 78 personnel over delays in registering the case.
Investigation Launched After Family Complaint
According to police, the woman left her home around 1:00pm but did not return for several hours. Consequently, her family began searching for her. During the search, a local resident reportedly informed them that a police officer in plain clothes had taken her away on a motorcycle.
Later, the woman told her family that ASI Imran had taken her to another location and sexually assaulted her. Following her statement, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused officer and subsequently arrested him.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza ordered the immediate registration of the case. He directed investigators to conduct the inquiry transparently, impartially and strictly on merit. Furthermore, he said those involved in crimes against women would face the law without leniency.
Departmental Action Against Police Personnel
Separately, DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran ordered strict departmental action over the delay in registering the FIR. As a result, authorities suspended the entire staff of Ghaziabad Police Station, including the station house officer (SHO), investigation officer, front-desk personnel, duty officer and drivers.
Overall, 78 police officials were suspended for negligence, weak supervision and failure to take timely action. The suspended personnel include sub-inspectors, eight assistant sub-inspectors, five head constables and other officials. Meanwhile, authorities appointed Ali Zaib Dastgir as the new SHO, replacing SHO Shehryar.
