Rape victim sets herself ablaze after court acquits accused in Kasur
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Kasur’s Baga Hithar village where a 13-year-old girl, who had earlier accused a policeman of rape, attempted to set herself ablaze moments after a local court acquitted the suspect. According to police and family sources, the rape victim set herself ablaze after court acquits accused in Kasur, sparking widespread outrage across the district as authorities scramble to determine whether justice was denied.
The prosecution informed the court that the accused policeman had allegedly raped the young girl inside the residence of a female co-accused, leading to her pregnancy. The victim’s father later lodged an FIR, but the girl initially stayed silent due to repeated threats from the accused, who warned her of severe consequences if she testified. Investigators added that two female relatives of the suspect had also been nominated in the case, with one accused of facilitating the crime while another allegedly forced the victim to take medication aimed at inducing an abortion.
However, during Friday’s hearing, Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Azeem Sheikh acquitted all three accused after granting them the benefit of the doubt based on DNA profiling results submitted before the court. The decision reportedly devastated the victim, who later drenched herself in petrol outside her home and set herself on fire in an act of desperation. Family members rushed to extinguish the flames before taking her to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition with severe burn injuries.
Soon after the incident made headlines, District Police Officer Essa Khan directed the SP Investigation to conduct a fresh inquiry to determine the truth and review any lapses made during the earlier probe. A police spokesperson confirmed that the accused officer had previously been dismissed from service following a departmental inquiry in which he was found guilty. However, despite internal findings, the court acquitted him solely on the basis of the DNA results, raising further questions about the investigation and evidence handling.
Authorities say the inquiry team will now reassess the testimonies, medical records, and procedural details to determine whether the case was compromised at any stage. The tragic attempt by the rape victim who set herself ablaze after the court acquitted the accused in Kasur has prompted renewed calls from activists and community leaders demanding reforms in handling sexual violence cases, particularly those involving minors. As the investigation continues, the provincial administration is also expected to review whether the family receives protection amid fears of retaliation.
The incident has once again highlighted the deep flaws in the justice system, especially in cases where victims—often minors—face pressure, fear, and inadequate legal support. Local residents have urged authorities to ensure transparency in the fresh inquiry so the survivor’s suffering does not go unnoticed.
