Four Suspects, Including Gang-Rape Accused, Killed in Punjab Raids

Punjab’s Crime Control Department killed four suspects, including a key figure in the Chung gang-rape case, in separate operations, raising concerns about police encounters.

In a series of operations across Punjab, the Crime Control Department (CCD) reported the deaths of four suspects, including a primary accused in the high-profile Chung gang-rape case, according to Dawn. The operations, conducted on August 2, 2025, targeted individuals linked to serious crimes, with the Chung case involving the assault of a woman in front of her husband in Lahore’s Chuhng area. The CCD’s actions have sparked debate over the use of lethal force in apprehending suspects.

The Chung incident involved four suspects who allegedly gang-raped a married woman and recorded the assault, as per a CCD spokesperson cited by Dawn. On Friday, August 1, 2025, the CCD traced the suspects’ location within 12 hours and conducted a raid. During the operation, the suspects reportedly opened fire on the police, prompting a response that left two dead, including the main accused, while two others escaped. One CCD officer was injured in the exchange, according to Associated Press of Pakistan. The police are now pursuing the remaining suspects, with investigations ongoing to verify the circumstances of the encounter.

The other three operations, though less detailed in reports, also resulted in suspect deaths, raising questions about the CCD’s methods. Critics, including human rights groups cited by The Express Tribune, have expressed concerns about potential extrajudicial killings, calling for independent probes. A Punjab police official, speaking anonymously to Dawn, defended the actions, stating that the suspects’ armed resistance necessitated lethal force. The official emphasized the CCD’s commitment to tackling violent crime, particularly in cases that have shocked the public.

The Chung case has drawn significant attention due to its brutality, with the victim’s ordeal fueling calls for justice. Punjab authorities, per The News International, have prioritized such cases, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directing resources to ensure accountability. However, the reliance on encounters has stirred unease, with some questioning whether legal processes are being bypassed. As investigations continue, the public awaits clarity on whether these actions reflect effective policing or raise deeper issues about justice in Punjab.