Faisalabad: Two van drivers arrested for raping, blackmailing university student

Faisalabad police have arrested two van drivers accused of raping a university student, blackmailing her, and snatching her jewelry, according to the police. 

The suspects stole photos from the student’s mobile phone and used them to blackmail her.

Officials said the student, distressed by ongoing threats, eventually confided in her parents after several months. The family then reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of both suspects and the registration of a case.

In a deeply disturbing trend, police records in October showed that 538 cases of sexual assault against women and children have been registered in Faisalabad's five town divisions, implicating approximately 800 accused individuals.

The highest numbers were recorded in Iqbal Division (126) and Madina Town Division (125). Jaranwala and Sadr Divisions saw 120 and 115 cases, respectively. Lyalpur Town Division recorded 52 cases.

Police officials confirmed that out of the total cases, 212 have been sent to the courts with complete charge sheets, and 172 with incomplete charge sheets.

 Investigation remains ongoing for 44 cases. Furthermore, 110 cases have been quashed by the courts on merit. A majority of the accused implicated in these registered cases have been successfully arrested.