Lahore: The Crime Control Department (CCD) will not investigate the alleged rape case involving two foreign women in Lahore, as the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the regular police, according to DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran.
The DIG explained that while the CCD is responsible for investigating kidnapping-for-ransom cases, sexual offences are handled under the procedures outlined in Pakistan’s Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, which assigns such investigations to specialised police units.
The case involves allegations of abduction, ransom demands, and sexual assault. Despite the kidnapping allegation, authorities confirmed that the presence of sexual offence charges means the investigation will remain with Lahore Police and will not be transferred to the CCD.
The remarks came amid public speculation that the CCD would take over the investigation.
According to police, the two foreign women travelled to Pakistan after meeting the main suspect in Singapore. Investigators said discussions had reportedly taken place regarding cryptocurrency investments and the distribution of profits before the women were invited to Lahore.
The complainant alleged that after arriving in Pakistan, she and her companion were abducted by the suspect and several associates. She further claimed that the suspects demanded $1.5 million in ransom, repeatedly assaulted her companion, and attempted to sexually assault her.
Police have clarified that these allegations remain under investigation and will be examined through the legal process.
Authorities launched an investigation after receiving information from the father of one of the women, who contacted Pakistan’s emergency helpline from abroad. Using vehicle registration records, CCTV footage, and information shared by the victims’ family, police traced the suspects and recovered the women during a raid in Lahore’s Defence area.
So far, four suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others allegedly involved in the case. A Lahore court has granted police physical remand of the arrested individuals for further investigation, and medical examinations of the victims have also been completed.
Lahore Police will continue investigating the case under the legal framework applicable to sexual offences, while the CCD will not assume responsibility for the inquiry.
