ISLAMABAD: Rawalpindi police announced on Tuesday that they arrested three suspects after a disturbing video went viral on social media. The footage showed a man cutting a young girl’s hair with scissors while several people watched in the background. The videos sparked widespread outrage and prompted immediate calls for action. Police launched an inquiry after the footage spread rapidly online.
Victim Allegedly Threatened and Assaulted
Another video later surfaced, reportedly featuring the victim. She stated that the incident occurred one-and-a-half months ago in Rawalpindi’s Christian Colony. She alleged that four men assaulted and threatened her during the incident. She also claimed that the suspects beat her before forcibly cutting her hair. The video statement intensified concern and pushed authorities to respond swiftly.
Police Confirm Incident Occurred Weeks Earlier
Rawalpindi police issued a statement early Tuesday and referred to the victim as a young girl. The statement confirmed that the incident happened in Rawalpindi and Islamabad a month and a half earlier. Officials added that the case had not been reported before the videos surfaced. Rawalpindi City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice and directed officers to contact the victim. Police met the victim and recorded her statement to initiate legal action.
Legal Action Initiated at Naseerabad Police Station
Police confirmed that legal proceedings started at the Naseerabad Police Station on the victim’s request. The police statement added that three accused individuals were taken into custody based on her testimony. Authorities stressed that violence, coercion, and exploitation of women would not be tolerated. The Rawalpindi CPO vowed to arrest all suspects and ensure maximum punishment under the law.
FIR Registered Against Multiple Suspects
A first information report was registered under Sections 337V and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR, filed by Duty Foot Constable Asad Hussain, named four suspects and mentioned several unidentified individuals. It noted that the viral video showed people forcibly cutting the girl’s hair. Investigators confirmed the location as Christian Colony after initial inquiries. Police said the suspects committed a serious offence and circulated the footage online.
Islamabad Police Assist in Tracing and Detaining Suspects
Later on Monday night, Islamabad police also commented on the incident. They clarified that the assault occurred in Rawalpindi and not in Islamabad’s Lohi Bher area as initially reported. Islamabad police located the victim and recorded her statement. They conducted raids and detained individuals involved in the incident. However, officials transferred the suspects to Rawalpindi police because the crime took place under their jurisdiction.
