Lahore court extends remand of four suspects in foreign women assault case

LAHORE: A judicial magistrate on Wednesday extended the physical remand of four suspects by five more days in a case involving the alleged abduction and sexual assault of two foreign women.

The suspects, including a relative of a senior political figure, were presented before the magistrate at the Cantonment Courts after completion of an earlier five-day remand. The prosecution requested more time in police custody, telling the court that DNA and fingerprint testing of the suspects had already been carried out.

A prosecutor said investigators still had to recover a vehicle allegedly used in the incident, along with a laptop, cash and weapons believed to be connected to the case. After hearing the arguments, the magistrate extended the remand of all four suspects until July 13.

Advocate Salman Shahid, appearing for two of the suspects, opposed the request for further remand. He argued that his clients were not linked to the alleged offences and said that, the matter concerned a cryptocurrency dispute rather than rape or abduction. He also argued that the case fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency.

The defence counsel told the court that one of his clients worked as a security guard and had no connection to cryptocurrency, while the other was employed in Islamabad and also had no role in the matter. He alleged that the accused had been implicated because of publicity surrounding the case and said they were facing a "media trial."

The lawyer also raised the issue of another suspect identified as Boss, questioning whether he had been produced before any court after his arrest. He further argued that even if the accused were acquitted later, the reputational harm caused by extensive coverage of the case would not be undone.

Case background

Police last week booked five suspects in connection with the alleged abduction and sexual assault after the two foreign women were recovered. Four suspects, including the relative of a senior political personality, were arrested and initially sent on five-day physical remand.

Police officials investigating the case said all eight suspects nominated in the case, including two high-profile individuals, had been arrested. On Monday, the remaining three suspects were also sent on five-day physical remand.

The two foreign nationals left Pakistan on July 3 after their recovery.