Teen domestic worker dies after alleging repeated rape by employer's son in Lahore

LAHORE: An 18-year-old domestic worker who had accused her employer’s son and a driver of repeatedly sexually assaulting her has died after spending nearly four weeks in hospital, while police continue to examine both the criminal case and the circumstances surrounding her treatment.

The victim, identified as A* in the police record to protect her identity, was from Faisalabad district and died at Services Hospital Lahore on May 26. She had been admitted in critical condition in late April.

Case registered on victim’s statement

A first information report (FIR) lodged at Model Town Police Station includes allegations under Pakistan Penal Code provisions related to rape, criminal intimidation, destruction of evidence and other offences. Police said the FIR was registered after the victim’s statement was recorded at Services Hospital.

In that statement, she told investigators that she had worked for about a year as a live-in domestic worker at a house in Lahore’s Model Town area. She alleged that the homeowner’s son and a driver subjected her to sexual assault repeatedly over several months.

She also alleged that after she became pregnant, efforts were made to terminate the pregnancy and that medical treatment was arranged when her condition worsened. The FIR names the employer’s son, the driver and several other individuals said to be linked to the events described by the complainant.

Hospital treatment and medical findings

Hospital sources said the teenager remained under treatment for almost four weeks after being brought to Services Hospital in a critical state. Investigators reviewing medical records found that doctors performed emergency surgery after diagnosing severe abdominal complications.

Medical records show she was suffering from sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), intestinal perforations and other life-threatening complications. Doctors found multiple perforations in the intestines and a widespread abdominal infection, leading to immediate surgical intervention.

A death certificate issued by the hospital listed cardiac arrest as the immediate cause of death, while severe infection and related complications were recorded as the underlying causes. Medical officials said the infection had spread throughout her body despite intensive treatment.

Investigation continues

Police officials said the investigation remains under way. Statements from witnesses, medical personnel and family members are being examined, while investigators are also reviewing medical records and other evidence to determine the sequence of events that preceded the victim’s death.

Authorities said any further legal action would depend on forensic findings, medical evidence and the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The case drew wide public attention after a video statement attributed to the victim circulated on social media following her death.

* The victim’s name has been withheld to protect her identity.