Authorities have arrested a key suspect in connection with the alleged gang rape and kidnapping of a 17-year-old domestic worker in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Maymar area. The case has drawn severe criticism over the delayed police response and led to immediate disciplinary action against the station house officer (SHO).
The victim, who works as a housemaid, stated that she was abducted by three men while performing domestic duties. The accused reportedly took her to a deserted location in a car, where they sexually assaulted her and subjected her to physical violence under the threat of weapons.
According to police reports, the victim identified one of the assailants as Sardar Shehai, who has since been arrested and handed over to investigative authorities. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices.
Police Negligence & High-Level Intervention
The victim’s family highlighted significant delays in police action and approached PPP leader Shahida Rehmani for assistance. Rehmani intervened by contacting Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, Faryal Talpur, and senior police officials to demand immediate action.
In an interview with local news channel ARY News, the victim revealed that police initially refused to register an FIR, even after she underwent a medical examination. PPP leader Shahida Rehmani also confirmed the SHO’s initial reluctance to file the case.
In response to the incident and the reported negligence, Sindh Inspector General Javed Alam Odho ordered the suspension and demotion of the Gulshan-e-Maymar Station House Officer (SHO) for delaying the registration of the First Information Report (FIR). He also issued strict directives to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for West to submit a detailed report and ensure the immediate arrest of all remaining suspects.
The victim was shifted to a hospital for a medical examination, and a formal case has now been registered. Police authorities have assured that the investigation is being conducted with urgency to ensure justice is served.
