SARGODHA: Police have arrested a station house officer (SHO) and other officials of the Sillanwali police station for allegedly snatching cash and valuables from a theatre dancer and gang raping her.

Accused police officials said they had been implicated in the case for their action against drunken people and obscene dances at the fair.

According to the alleged gang-rape victim, she was performing at a fair at Baba Noor Shah shrine in the jurisdiction of Shah Nikdar police when the accused kidnapped her, subjected her to gang rape besides snatching Rs150,000 from her.

She approached District Police Officer Sajjad Manj who after preliminary inquiry got registered a case against six officials under the Pakistan Penal Code.

Shah Nikdar SHO Najeebullah was suspended from service for showing favour to the accused SHO.

According to the victim, the accused SHO was under the influence and allowed her to go after taking commitment that she would not contact police.

She alleged the Shah Nikdar SHO avoided action against his colleagues.

According to the law, police officials committed crime punishable under the Islamic Hudood Ordinance but the case was registered under the Pakistan Penal Code.

The alleged gang-rape victim appealed to the chief minister for protection as, she said, police officials were forcing her to take back charges.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2015

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