CM Maryam reacts to bail for man accused of assaulting female scooty rider
The chief minister shared a news report about the case on social media platform X on Saturday and described the development as "SAD". The court granted the suspect, Ghulam Mustafa, bail against surety bonds worth Rs100,000.
Court grants bail to the accused
A judicial magistrate ordered Mustafa’s release if he was not wanted in any other case. Mazang police had asked the court to send him to jail on judicial remand.
The case relates to an incident on Thursday when the suspect allegedly attacked a woman riding a scooty on a busy road in Lahore. The incident attracted public attention after CCTV footage spread widely on social media.
Maryam Nawaz speaks to the victim
In a separate post, Maryam Nawaz said she had personally spoken to the woman involved in the incident. She said she had encouraged the victim to slap the suspect as many times as he had slapped her.
"However, she said that, for her, it was enough that the government had made her feel protected, cared for, and assured that justice was on her side," the chief minister wrote.
The chief minister’s comments came after the court’s decision to grant bail to the accused. The case has raised public concern about the safety of women travelling on roads.
CCTV footage sparks public reaction
Footage of the alleged assault circulated widely online and drew strong reactions from social media users. Many people also raised concerns about the apparent failure of bystanders to step in during the incident.
The video brought further attention to the case and the response of people who were present. The investigation and legal proceedings will determine the facts and responsibility in the matter.
Legal process and women’s safety
The bail order allows the accused to be released under the court’s stated conditions, provided he is not required in another case. Bail does not mean that the allegations have been proven or that the case has ended.
The incident has renewed discussion about women’s safety in public places and the need for people to report violence. Authorities will need to ensure that the case is handled according to the law and that the victim can seek justice.
The case has drawn attention because the alleged assault was captured on CCTV and widely shared online. The court’s bail decision has also raised questions among the public, while the final outcome will depend on the evidence and legal process.
The footage showed a man stopping his motorcycle in front of the woman's scooter before allegedly pulling her hair and repeatedly slapping her as several people watched.
Initial police reports indicated that the woman sustained facial injuries, including a fracture to her nasal bone, during the attack.
A police official said the suspect also threw the woman's bag to the ground. The bag contained a laptop worth around Rs90,000, which was badly damaged in the incident. The suspect subsequently fled the scene, the official added.
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