Allegations made by a female police officer that a suspect was involved in the rape of 22 girls have come under scrutiny after she failed to prove the claims during court proceedings.
Sub-Inspector Rubina Shaheen Baloch, posted at Napier Police Station, had recently released a video statement alleging that a suspect identified as Naresh was involved in multiple sexual offences and was receiving protection from certain police officials. The video went viral on social media, triggering widespread concern and prompting senior police authorities to order an inquiry into the allegations.
In her statement, Rubina Shaheen claimed that fellow police officials were obstructing the investigation and extending special treatment to Naresh, who had been arrested in a case involving the alleged kidnapping and rape of a girl.
However, proceedings before a Judicial Magistrate in Karachi’s South district presented a different account. The girl at the center of the alleged kidnapping and rape case recorded her statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code and rejected the allegations.
According to her statement, she had not been abducted and had willingly accompanied Naresh. She told the court that the two had entered into a marriage of their own free will and described the kidnapping and rape case as false.
The woman further stated that neither family objected to the marriage and expressed her desire to live with her husband.
After recording her statement, the court allowed the girl to leave with her husband. The court also directed Naresh to furnish protective surety bonds worth Rs50,000.
The development has raised questions about the allegations made in the viral video. During the court proceedings, no evidence was presented to support the claim that Naresh had raped 22 girls.