JIT starts investigation into Kasur child abuse scandal

KASUR: A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed by the Punjab government has set up office and started its probe of the massive child abuse and extortion scandal in Hussain Khanwala village of Kasur district.

Initial investigation into the scandal, termed the biggest in the country's history, reveal that around 400 videos were made of 280 victims over the last 10 years by an organised gang of over 25 criminals in Hussain Khanwala village.

The five-member JIT, headed by DIG Abu Bakr Khuda Baksh and comprises SSP Khalid Bashir Cheema, DSP Liaquat Ali, and two officers of intelligence agencies, was formed by the provincial government earlier this week to investigate the case and present its report to the Lahore High Court within two weeks.

The JIT has set up its office at the Kasur Civil Rest-House, where arrangements have been made for the JIT members to meet complainants and the affected families.

A separate desk has been set up for the Kasur District Police where complainants, volunteers, witnesses and other village-folk can visit and record their complaints and concerns. District police personnel formally record the complaints and forward them to the JIT.

DCO Adnan Arshad said that a shuttle bus service has also been started to transport the Hussain Khanwala residents from the village to the rest-house.

"We have made complete arrangements on the orders of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. We have also made a corner for the press so that they are regularly informed of the progress in the investigation," he said.

Another case registered

Meanwhile, police registered another case on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases against the child abuse and video scandal to eight.

The case was registered by SHO Tariq Cheema of the Ganda Singhwala police station under evidence provided in the form of video clips against accused Abdul Mannan.

The complaints have been registered by the police themselves due to fear among the residents and to protect the families of the victims.