Charges filed in 375 out of 860 sexual assault cases in 2023

• 350 cases declared false, 135 still under investigation
• Need for swift time-sensitive investigation and legislation to combat false accusations

LAHORE: Lahore police have uncovered a disconcerting trend, stating that a concerning 41 per cent of sexual assault accusations against women were proven false in the year 2023. The findings shed light on an emerging issue where false accusations are not only on the rise but are also turning into a lucrative business.

The research conducted by Lahore police examined 360 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to sexual assault, exposing a pattern where false allegations are becoming increasingly prevalent.

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Dr Anush Masood, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation, highlighted that the majority of these false cases originated from relationship disputes.

Out of the 860 sexual abuse cases registered in the past 11 months, 40 per cent cases (350) were found to be false and subsequently dismissed. In contrast, charges were filed in 375 cases, while 135 cases remain under investigation. This stark revelation underscores the urgent need for a robust legal framework to address the rising tide of false accusations, which is being described as a heinous business by legal experts.

However, that should not distract us from the fact that in the realm of sexual assault cases, a substantial 60 percent are validated through investigation, attesting to the credibility of a significant majority of reported incidents. This statistic underscores the importance of thorough and timely investigations in establishing the veracity of accusations. The success rate in confirming these cases highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and investigative processes in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators.

Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding the remaining 41 percent of cases that are proven false. The intricacies lie in the dependency of the test on swift investigations, where the passage of time may compromise the ability to gather conclusive medical evidence.

Among the cases categorised as incorrect, there exists a subset that may indeed be accurate, but the lack of immediate and comprehensive investigation impedes the establishment of concrete proof. This dynamic emphasises the need for expeditious and meticulous investigative practices to ensure a thorough examination of all sexual assault cases, thus upholding justice for both the survivors and the accused.

Israr Ahmed Butt, a senior lawyer, emphasised the detrimental impact of these false cases on the justice system, labelling them as significant obstacles in delivering justice to genuinely affected women.

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Recognising the gravity of the situation, calls for comprehensive legislation to deter individuals from exploiting the legal system for personal motives are growing louder, in both forms, of false accusations and delayed investigations.

As authorities grapple with this emerging issue, there is a consensus among investigative agencies and legal experts that robust legislation is essential to address the rising wave of false accusations. The report concludes with a recognition that tackling this challenge is crucial not only for upholding justice but also for ensuring the protection of genuine victims of sexual assault.