Two women were allegedly gang-raped after armed men broke into their home in Peshawar, Pakistan. Police have arrested four suspects following the reported attack in the early hours of Sunday morning, September 6.
The attackers, who were armed with guns, are reported to have scaled the walls of the property before breaking in and locking a man and two children in a separate room. They then allegedly raped the women, aged 22 and 27, before fleeing the scene. One of the children was also reportedly sexually assaulted by the attackers.
Police arrest four suspects
An urgent police investigation was launched and officers have now detained the suspects. Farhan Khan, a local police officer, told the media that the victims begged and pleaded with the attackers as they were raped at gunpoint. However, the suspects showed no mercy before fleeing the scene on foot at around 4am local time.
He added that the men also stole mobile phones and cash from the home. The attack was soon reported by the man who was locked in a room before detectives launched an urgent investigation.
Suspects confess to crime
SSP Khan added: "It is the bravery shown by this family that they came to us that very night and informed us of the entire situation."
He continued: "We have arrested all four suspects along with their weapons. During initial questioning, the suspects have confessed to the crime."
Police also seized guns from the suspects as well as suspected stolen mobile phones and cash. All four men remain in custody and face court at a later date.
Investigation ongoing
The police force said: "It is our resolve to ensure these beastly criminals are given exemplary punishment under the law."
Dr. Muhammad Sami Malik, the lead investigator, said: "Under the law, we will not disclose the identity of the victims at any stage. Their names will not be used anywhere, and they will be recorded in case files only under coded references."
He continued: "The psychological toll these women have suffered cannot be undone in such a short time, but the police will continue making every effort to support them going forward."
He said all forensic evidence had been collected from the crime scene and the investigation is now ongoing. "In this regard, we are also seeking the assistance of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency. The samples available to us have been sent for forensic analysis so that the suspects can be convicted on the basis of scientific evidence," he said.
