Minchinabad police ‘ignore’ court orders in minor’s rape case

Bahawalnagar police have allegedly disregarded court orders in a case involving a minor who was sexually assaulted and impregnated by her 14-year-old teacher over a two-year period. According to the court, the victim, who worked as a domestic helper at the seminary, faced significant pressure from her family to accept a settlement of Rs1.05 million from the accused's influential family.

The court ordered a 13-day remand for the teacher and directed the District Police Officer (DPO) to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against four senior sub-inspectors (SHOs) involved in the case and prohibit the investigating officer from any public role due to misconduct. However, the police reportedly ignored these orders, and the investigating officer even took the victim to a different district court in Pakpattan to record her statement, defying court orders.

The Magistrate Muhammad Qasim Rasool expressed disappointment in the police's actions and ordered an inquiry against the investigating officer, prohibiting her from public assignments. Despite the court's directives, no actions have been taken within 11 days. The Deputy Commissioner's office and the DPO have not responded to requests for comments, but their spokesperson claimed that the court had rescinded its directions to register FIRs against the SHOs.

However, court sources refute these claims, stating that the court had not withdrawn any of its directions.