KARACHI: Allegations by a female police officer claiming that a suspect was involved in the rape of 22 girls have come under question after she was unable to substantiate her claims during court proceedings.
Sub-Inspector Rubina Shaheen Baloch, posted at Napier Police Station, had recently released a video statement accusing a suspect named Naresh of multiple sexual offenses and alleging that certain police officials were protecting him. The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread concern and prompting senior police authorities to initiate an investigation into the matter.
In her video, Shaheen accused colleagues of obstructing the investigation and providing special treatment to Naresh, who had been apprehended in connection with an alleged kidnapping and rape case involving a young girl.
However, during a hearing before a Judicial Magistrate in Karachi’s South district, the woman at the heart of the case gave a different account. She recorded her statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, denying that she had been abducted and asserting that she had willingly gone with Naresh. The girl confirmed that they had entered into marriage consensually and dismissed the kidnapping and rape allegations as false.
She further expressed her desire to live with her husband, and after her statement, the court permitted her to leave with Naresh. The magistrate also directed Naresh to provide a surety bond of Rs50,000 for his protection.
The recent court proceedings cast doubt on the earlier viral claims, as no evidence was presented to support the allegations that Naresh had raped 22 girls. The controversy initially gained traction after Shaheen accused senior police officials of attempting to influence the investigation and shield the suspect.
Following the allegations, DIG South ordered an inquiry and assured that departmental disciplinary action would be taken if the claims were proven true. The investigation into the police officer’s accusations and the conduct of involved personnel is still ongoing.
Notably, this is not the first time Shaheen has faced controversy. In October 2023, she had publicly accused senior police officers of harassment through a social media video, raising questions about her credibility and conduct.
