Woman ‘gang-raped’ by five men in Bhakkar

BHAKKAR: A gang of five criminals allegedly gang-raped a married woman in the Punjab Darya Khan area of Bhakkar District, sources said on Wednesday.

According to the woman, one of the suspects lured her from Jhang by promising her that he had a suitor for her daughter. She alleged that the suspects took away cash and gold ornaments and raped her before fleeing.

On the other hand, sources informed that the woman had reported the matter to the police however, they insisted on skipping the gang-rape allegation from the report. However, late the police registered the case against five suspects, including the nominated one, sources added.

Police said a case has been registered against the five suspects on the woman’s complaint. However, when they arrived at Darya Khan Area, the accused allegedly gang-raped her with four other accomplices and fled. 

The police rejected the allegations against the police, adding that a case had been registered on the written complaint of the complainant and investigating had been launched into the matter. 

Earlier, the government has approved two ordinances aimed at awarding stricter punishment for offenders including chemical castration and hanging, but not publically, to curb the increasing rape incidents against women and children in the country.

The ordinance will lead to the establishment of special courts and anti-rape crisis cells to ensure quick registration of FIRs, medical examination, forensic analysis, among others.

It will abolish the degrading ‘two-finger virginity tests’ and restrict cross-examination of the victim by the accused during trial.

It also provides protection to the rape victims and their families through in-camera trials. The steps should be welcomed and could lead to speedy trials and the provision of justice.