In a dramatic turn of events, the third accused in the horrifying gang rape case that took place in Hafizabad has been killed in an alleged police encounter, according to reports from Geo News. The incident, which has sparked outrage across the nation, continues to unfold with high tension as authorities work to track down the main culprit.
Third Accused Killed in Gunfire Exchange
As per official statements, the latest encounter occurred near Panchpula, a locality in Hafizabad, during what was described as a routine police patrol. According to the police, as they approached the area, associates of the accused allegedly opened fire on the patrolling police van. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the third accused was fatally shot. Police claim he was struck by bullets fired by his own accomplices during the shootout.
Background: A Crime That Shook the Nation
The gruesome incident, which took place a month ago, involved armed men brutally gang-raping a woman in front of her husband, a crime that stunned the entire country and drew widespread condemnation. The perpetrators not only committed the heinous act but also recorded the assault on video before fleeing the scene.
Initial investigations revealed that the woman and her husband were traveling when they were ambushed by a group of armed men, who then subjected the couple to this horrific ordeal. The crime quickly gained national attention, with calls for justice echoing from civil society, women’s rights groups, and politicians.
Pattern of Police Encounters Raises Eyebrows
With the latest killing, three accused in the case have now died in alleged police encounters. The first two suspects were reported to have been shot under similar circumstances in separate incidents earlier. The repetitive pattern of suspects being killed in police custody has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who are questioning whether due legal processes are being followed.
Critics argue that while the public outrage and desire for swift justice are understandable, the growing trend of suspects dying before trial may undermine the integrity of the justice system. Without court proceedings, it becomes difficult to verify the extent of each individual’s involvement or to uncover potential wider networks behind such crimes.
Main Suspect Still At Large
Despite the deaths of three suspects, the main accused in the Hafizabad case remains at large, intensifying pressure on law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend the ringleader. The police have vowed to continue their search and bring the remaining fugitive to justice, but the public’s patience is wearing thin.
Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability
A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
We are working day and night to capture the main accused. Our teams are conducting raids at multiple locations. We will not rest until justice is served.
The brutal nature of the crime, combined with the repeated police encounters, has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users expressing both support for decisive action and concern over possible extrajudicial killings.
Rights groups like the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have issued statements urging the government to conduct transparent investigations and ensure that rule of law is upheld, even in the face of such horrific crimes.
Legal experts argue that while emotions are running high, the judiciary must remain the ultimate forum for justice.
Vigilante justice or police overreach cannot replace the court system, said a Lahore-based human rights lawyer.
We need to see fair trials, convictions, and proper sentencing — not summary executions.
Demand for Broader Reforms
The Hafizabad incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for reforms in Pakistan’s policing and criminal justice systems, particularly in cases of sexual violence. Experts emphasize the importance of:
- Speedy investigations and fast-track courts for rape cases
- Proper evidence collection and preservation
- Victim protection and rehabilitation
- Accountability of police in alleged encounters
The killing of the third accused in the Hafizabad gang rape case adds yet another chapter to a case that has left Pakistan in shock. As the main suspect remains on the loose, citizens continue to demand justice — not only for the victim and her family but for all women whose safety is at stake.
