The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday sought a detailed report from the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) investigating the Kasur child sex abuse case, and adjourned the hearing of petitions in the case till September 10.
The court also asked police authorities to look into issue of sale and purchase of the Kasur video scandal clips and ensure safety of the accused.
LHC Chief Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik passed these directions while hearing petitions filed by Sana Murad and others.
During the hearing, JIT head DIG Abu Bakr Khuda Baksh told the court that investigations were being carried out but forensic report of the video clips were still awaited. At this, the chief justice asked the JIT head to complete the investigations without delay and also directed advocate general Punjab to ensure early availability of forensic report.
The accused’s counsel expressed apprehensions that the accused might be killed in fake encounter. The court was also apprised about sale and purchase of the Kasur video scandal clips in the market.
The chief justice adjourning the matter till September 10 asked police authorities to ensure safety of accused and look into issue of video clips sale and purchase.
The petitioners through their petition pleaded for directions to refer the child abuse cases to anti-terrorism court. They contended that the act of criminals fall under definition of extortion and as per law, an anti-terrorism court was authorised to hold the trial.
Sex abuse victims warn of suicides if denied justice
A number of victims of Kasur child abuse scandal have warned that they would commit suicide if they are denied speedy justice.
Talking to reporters here on Thursday, the victims said that police officers are trying to paint the Kasur child abuse incident as a land dispute due to which they are boycotting Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
They said, “We are trying to get justice but JIT is involving us in the scandal.”