Investigation initiated against employer’s son, driver and others after victim succumbed in hospital
LAHORE:
An 18-year-old domestic worker who accused her employer’s son and a driver of repeatedly sexually assaulting her has died after spending nearly four weeks in hospital.
The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her treatment and a criminal investigation.
The victim, A*, a resident of Faisalabad district, died at Services Hospital Lahore on May 26 after being admitted in a critical condition in late April.
According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Model Town Police Station, the case includes charges related to rape, criminal intimidation, destruction of evidence and other offenses under the Pakistan Penal Code.
Police said the victim’s statement was recorded at the Services Hospital before the FIR was lodged.
In her statement, she alleged that she had been employed as a domestic helper in a house in Lahore’s Model Town area for about a year.
According to the FIR, she told investigators that the homeowner’s son and a driver had sexually assaulted her on several occasions over several months.
She further claimed that after she became pregnant, attempts were made to terminate the pregnancy and that medical treatment was arranged when her health began to deteriorate.
The FIR names the employer’s son, the driver and several other persons allegedly linked to the events described by the complainant.
Hospital sources said the victim remained under treatment for almost four weeks after being brought to the Services Hospital in a critical condition.
Medical records reviewed by investigators show doctors performed emergency surgery after diagnosing serious abdominal complications.
The records stated that the patient suffered from sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), intestinal perforations and other life-threatening conditions.
Doctors reportedly found multiple perforations in the intestines along with a widespread abdominal infection, prompting immediate surgery.
A death certificate issued by the hospital listed cardiac arrest as the immediate cause of death, while severe infection and related complications were cited as the underlying causes.
Medical officials said the infection had spread throughout the body despite intensive treatment.
Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that statements from witnesses, medical staff and family members are being reviewed.
Investigators are also reviewing medical records and other evidence to determine the sequence of events that led to the victim’s death.
Authorities said further legal action would depend on forensic findings, medical evidence and the outcome of the investigation.
The case has drawn much public attention after a video statement attributed to the victim circulated on social media following her death.
* The name of the victim has been withheld to protect the identity.
