On June 8, 2025, Punjab police reported that two additional suspects in the horrific Hafizabad gang-rape case were killed in separate encounters, bringing the total to three deceased suspects. The case, which has sparked nationwide outrage, involves the abduction and assault of a couple in Mangat Uncha on April 25, 2025.
The incident occurred when a Lahore-based couple, travelling by motorcycle from Nowshera Virkan, was intercepted by eight armed men near Mangat Uncha. The assailants abducted the couple at gunpoint, taking them to a deserted area behind Government High School. There, three suspects—Ikram, Laeeq (alias Laeeqi), and Khawar—allegedly gang-raped the woman while her husband was restrained. A fourth suspect, Chand Mangat, filmed the assault, which was later uploaded to social media, prompting public fury.
The couple initially hesitated to report the crime due to threats. Still, Hafizabad District Police Officer (DPO) Atif Nazir intervened after receiving the video on June 2, convincing them to file an FIR under charges including rape, kidnapping, and robbery.
Case of gang rape of a woman in front of her husband#Hafizabad #Police #Abbtakk
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On June 5 and 6, police conducted raids based on intelligence. Near Kot Nanak, suspect Laeeq was killed during an exchange of gunfire, reportedly by his accomplices’ fire. In a separate incident near Panj Pulla, Chand Mangat was similarly killed in an ambush, with two others escaping. A third suspect, Khawar, was killed earlier on June 5.
DPO Nazir confirmed the deaths of Khawar, Laeeq, and Chand, noting that the prime suspect, Ikram Mangat and four unidentified accomplices remain at large. The Federal Investigation Agency has placed Ikram and Chand on the Provisional National Identification List to prevent their escape.
The investigation revealed police misconduct, with two officers arrested for accepting a Rs140,000 bribe to release Laeeq earlier. DPO Nazir vowed to pursue justice, with raids ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects. “We will ensure this case reaches its logical conclusion,” he said.
The case underscores Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with sexual violence, despite stringent anti-rape laws.
