All 29 suspects nominated for their involvement in the panchayat-ordered 'revenge rape' of a teenage girl in Muzaffarabad area of Multan district last month have been arrested, read the police report submitted before the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

According to the progress report submitted by Multan city police officer (CPO), the main accused in the case — who raped 16-year-old N* as "punishment" for a rape her brother had committed days earlier — has also been arrested.

The man who is accused of raping the 12-year-old F*, sister of the main suspect, was arrested last month.

Examine: Where is justice when a panchayat orders rape?

Three first information reports (FIRs) of the incidents were registered: two on the complaints of the two victims' families against each other, and the third against the illegal panchayat members in which the police/state were the complainant.

Police has taken swabs of both victims and both alleged rapists, and will submit challans in a court of law within seven days after completion of the investigation, the CPO said.

According to the police report, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the 'revenge' rape had taken place due to a compromise between the families of the two rapists — both belong to the Bhullar community.

Stating the facts of the case, it said that on July 16, a man raped F, the daughter of Haq Nawaz. When a furious Haq Nawaz and his relatives went to the alleged rapist's house to demand revenge, it was decided that the suspect's sister, N, would be handed over to F's brother to be raped as a punishment.

Subsequently, a meeting of the Bhullar bradari was held at Haq Nawaz's house which was attended by a number of people. In the meantime, the mother of N arrived at the meeting and offered her daughter in marriage but Haq Nawaz refused and asked his son to take N in a room and rape her.

Haq Nawaz's wife then "forcibly dragged" N into a room and locked the door, after which her son raped the teenage girl.

Last week, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of the case, while Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took punitive action against the police over a "criminal delay" on their part in proceeding with the case.

The Multan city police officer was made an OSD (officer on special duty) and the entire staff of the Muzaffarabad police station was suspended.


*Names have not been disclosed to protect privacy.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

THE deplorable practice of enforced disappearances is an affront to due process and the rule of law. Pakistan has...
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...