A shocking new development has emerged in the case of a 14-year-old girl allegedly gang-raped by an ASI and his accomplice while her father was in police custody in Sargodha.

The Punjab Prosecutor General, Syed Farhad Ali Shah, revealed in a letter to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court that the area magistrate pressured the victim into settling the case and even illegally offered her in marriage to a 58-year-old accused.

The letter, dated October 15, 2024, details the case registered at Kot Momin Police Station in Sargodha District. The Prosecutor General declared the case high-profile and summoned the SHO, investigating officer, and relevant prosecutor, along with the victim, under Section 10(3) of the Punjab Prosecution Service Act 2006 to review the investigation’s progress.

During a briefing, the investigating officer and prosecutor informed the Prosecutor General that the area magistrate pressured the victim to reconcile with the accused before her statement was recorded. The magistrate allegedly offered to arrange her marriage to the 58-year-old accused, who, along with the other accused, intimidated the girl in the magistrate’s presence. The victim corroborated this account in her statement to the investigating officer.

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The Prosecutor General personally questioned the victim, who confirmed the details provided by the investigating officer and prosecutor. Consequently, Shah has written to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, requesting departmental action against the area magistrate for pressuring the victim into a settlement and offering her in marriage to the accused ASI.

Shah emphasized the societal pressures and fear of shame that often prevent women and girls from reporting sexual assault. He stressed the importance of upholding the dignity and social standing of those brave enough to come forward, highlighting the necessity of implementing Section 8 of the Anti-Rape Act 2021 and the Witness Protection Act 2018.

He reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to protecting the lives, property, and rights of women and children, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He assured the victim that the state would utilize all resources to secure justice and ensure the perpetrators are punished.