LAHORE: Lahore police have revealed that an alarming 41% of sexual assault accusations against women in year 2023 were proved baseless.
A total of 360 FIRs were trashed in the year, shedding light on a disturbing trend where false accusations are turning out to be a lucrative business. According to SSP (Investigation) Lahore, Dr. Anush Masood, the majority of these false cases were rooted in ‘relationship’ disputes.
Out of 860 sexual cases registered in the past 11 months, 350 were found to be false and subsequently dismissed, while charges were filed in 375 cases, she added. Currently, 135 cases remain under investigation, she said further.
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Legal experts are now considering the need for comprehensive legislation to curb the rising tide of false charges, which they describe as a heinous business.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern where personal vendettas and transaction disputes played a significant role in fabricating sexual assault charges. This revelation raises concerns about the potential misuse of the legal system for personal gains.
As the authorities grapple with this emerging issue, there is a growing consensus among investigators, law-enforcement agencies and legal experts that robust legislation is essential to deter individuals from exploiting the legal system for personal motives.
The report recommends that addressing this challenge is crucial for upholding justice and ensuring the protection of genuine victims of sexual assault.
