Model Town case shifts as investigation takes new legal turn

Prosecutor General declares high-profile case, seeks full record as conflicting statements and evidence prompt renewed judicial scrutiny.

LAHORE: The case involving the death of 18-year-old domestic worker Ayesha in Lahore’s Model Town area has taken a new legal turn after the Prosecutor General of Punjab declared it a high-profile matter and summoned the investigating officer along with the complete case record.

The case, which initially involved allegations of gang rape and subsequent medical complications following an alleged abortion, is now under renewed scrutiny as authorities reassess evidence and witness statements.

According to officials, the Prosecutor General’s office will provide a detailed line of inquiry to investigators and review the legal sections and available evidence in depth.

Police at Model Town station have already registered a case, stating that the victim died in hospital following complications after the alleged abortion procedure.

In a significant development, the victim’s father has reportedly changed his stance regarding earlier statements. He now claims that his earlier position denying the involvement of the house owners in the alleged gang rape was made under pressure and has called for a fresh investigation to ensure justice.

Meanwhile, a second video statement recorded by the deceased before her death has surfaced. In the recording, Ayesha allegedly stated that the primary accused was a driver identified as Hassan, while asserting that the house owners were not involved in the incident and had been wrongly implicated.

She further alleged that the driver administered sedative pills and repeatedly assaulted her, adding that she was pressured to include the employers’ names in the case. Police officials said the victim had also provided a similar written statement before her death.

Authorities have noted that repeated changes in the father’s statement have raised questions about the consistency of the case. Police have indicated that, subject to court approval, murder-related charges may also be added and investigated as part of the broader inquiry.

Officials confirmed that the case will now undergo a comprehensive legal and evidentiary review as part of the ongoing investigation.