Lahore Police suspend 78 cops after ASI arrested in assault case
A serious case involving a Lahore Police officer has led to both criminal and departmental action. Police arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) after he was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old mentally ill girl in the Ghaziabad area of Lahore.
According to police, the incident began when the young woman left her home at around 1:00 pm. After she did not return for several hours, her worried family started searching for her in nearby areas.
A resident told the family that a police officer dressed in plain clothes had taken the woman away on a motorcycle. The information helped the family trace what had happened.
Victim’s statement leads to police case
According to police, the victim later informed her family that ASI Imran had taken her to another location, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Following the complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused officer. Authorities said the case will proceed in accordance with the law and that all available evidence will be examined during the investigation.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza ordered the immediate registration of the FIR. He directed investigators to conduct the inquiry in a transparent, fair and impartial manner.
The DIG said crimes against women are serious offences and those found responsible would not receive any leniency. He added that legal action would be taken strictly on merit.
Departmental action against Ghaziabad Police Station
DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran suspended the entire staff of Ghaziabad Police Station. The suspended officials include the station house officer (SHO), the investigation officer, front-desk staff, the duty officer and drivers.
In total, 78 police personnel were suspended. The suspended officials include sub-inspectors, eight assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), five head constables and several other police employees.
According to the police department, the suspensions were ordered due to negligence, poor supervision and failure to take timely action after the complaint was received.
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New SHO appointed after suspensions
Following the departmental action, SHO Shehryar was removed from his position.
Police authorities appointed Ali Zaib Dastgir as the new SHO of Ghaziabad Police Station to ensure that police operations and the investigation continue without interruption.
Officials said the investigation will continue under senior supervision and that every aspect of the case will be examined carefully. They added that the inquiry aims to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence in the police department.
The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and the importance of responding quickly to complaints involving alleged crimes against women. Authorities say both the criminal investigation and departmental proceedings will continue according to the law.
