title:Six Policemen Charged in Jacobabad Custodial Gang Rape of Minor Girl
ISLAMABAD: A disturbing case of alleged custodial gang rape has emergedfrom Jacobabad district in Sindh province, where six police officials havebeen arrested for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl during her illegaldetention in a police station. The incident, confirmed through an internalinquiry by senior police authorities, has intensified public outrage overpersistent issues of abuse in custody and demands for accountability withinlaw enforcement institutions. The victim, along with her sister andgrandmother, was reportedly held without formal charges in connection witha murder case, exposing systemic vulnerabilities in detention practices.
The assault reportedly occurred over multiple days at the RD-52 policestation in Taluka Thul, Jacobabad. According to the district SeniorSuperintendent of Police Muhammad Kaleem Malik, the girl was subjected torape by six officers, including an assistant sub-inspector, during a periodwhen the station house officer was on leave. The SSP’s inquiry, initiatedon directives from the Inspector General of Police Sindh, established theinvolvement of the accused, leading to their immediate arrest andregistration of a case at the relevant police station on the complaint ofthe victim’s grandmother.
Details from official statements indicate that the family members weredetained as suspects in a separate murder investigation and remained inconfinement for several days without proper legal procedure. The victim,identified in reports as Asia Khoso, narrated her ordeal in a widelycirculated video statement, prompting swift action from higher authorities.The SSP confirmed that the allegations were substantiated throughpreliminary evidence, including the victim’s account and corroborativedetails from the inquiry process.
This case highlights longstanding concerns regarding custodial violence inPakistan, particularly sexual abuse against women and minors in policelockups. Historical data from human rights organizations reveal a patternof such incidents, with reports indicating that a significant percentage offemale detainees face physical or sexual mistreatment while in custody. TheAnti-Rape Act of 2021 introduced measures such as mandatory Anti-RapeCrisis Cells in hospitals to provide integrated medical, forensic, andlegal support to survivors, yet implementation gaps persist amid lowconviction rates.
In 2023 alone, official statistics recorded thousands of rape casesnationwide, underscoring the broader crisis of sexual violence and thechallenges in achieving justice. Conviction rates remain low due to factorsincluding delayed investigations, inadequate forensic practices, socialstigma, and procedural hurdles. The Jacobabad incident has renewed callsfor stricter enforcement of protective laws and reforms to prevent abuse bythose entrusted with maintaining law and order.
The arrested officers face charges under relevant sections of the PakistanPenal Code, including provisions for gang rape, which carry severepenalties such as life imprisonment or the death sentence. The involvementof police personnel in the crime has drawn criticism from civil societygroups, who argue that such acts erode public trust in institutions meantto protect citizens. The Sindh police leadership has emphasized zerotolerance for misconduct, with the SSP assuring a transparent probe andcooperation with judicial proceedings.
Read Top Stories
Legal experts note that custodial rape cases often involve additionalviolations, such as illegal detention and threats to deter complaints,compounding the trauma for victims. The Jacobabad episode follows a historyof similar allegations against law enforcement in various provinces, whereimpunity has frequently shielded perpetrators. Advocacy organizations havelong demanded independent oversight mechanisms, improved training on gendersensitivity, and mandatory body cameras in police stations to deter abuses.
Public reaction has been swift, with social media and rights activistshighlighting the need for systemic change to safeguard vulnerabledetainees. The case has also spotlighted the plight of women frommarginalized communities who face heightened risks during interactions withauthorities. Authorities have transferred the victim and her family tosafer facilities while medical and psychological support is arranged underexisting protocols.
As investigations continue, the judiciary is expected to take suo motunotice or fast-track proceedings given the gravity of custodial abuse. Thisincident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent requirement forcomprehensive police reforms, including accountability measures andenhanced protections for detainees, to restore confidence in the criminaljustice system.
ogimageimage-name
