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Polio Vaccination Team Held Hostage in Jacobabad: Female Worker Allegedly Raped, Investigation Underway
Disturbing news from Jacobabad: A polio vaccination team was taken hostage by armed men, leading to the alleged gang rape of a female polio worker. The district administration and police are investigating the case, with medical reports confirming the assault.
ND
by News Desk
2024-09-12
Polio Vaccination Team Held Hostage in Jacobabad: Female Worker Allegedly Raped, Investigation Underway

In a shocking and tragic incident in Jacobabad, a polio vaccination team was taken hostage by armed men in the village of Ulaha. The situation escalated, leading to the alleged gang rape of a female polio worker. The team was in the area to administer polio drops to children when they were ambushed.
Upon receiving news of the abduction, district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner (DC), District Health Officer (DHO), and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), rushed to the scene. The male polio worker, Nihal Panhwar, was recovered, but the female worker faced a harrowing ordeal.
Following her rescue, the woman was transported to James Hospital, where initial medical reports confirmed that she had been raped. Additional tests will be conducted at the Rohada laboratory to provide further confirmation.
In the aftermath of the assault, confusion has arisen regarding the filing of the case. There is uncertainty among the police, district administration, and health department about who should formally lodge the complaint. SSP Jacobabad Dr. Sameer Noor Chana indicated that the case would be filed based on the decision of the Deputy Commissioner and whether the woman's relatives choose to file a complaint.
The woman has expressed profound distress, stating that she feels wronged and that her family will not accept the situation. She will be relocated to a shelter house for her safety.
In a separate but related incident, a polio worker and a policeman were killed in Bajaur when gunmen attacked a vaccination team. Meanwhile, in Mian Sahib, another polio worker was taken hostage by motorcyclists who also stole his motorcycle.
The DC, Zahoor Ahmad, ventured into the forest with his personal pistol to search for the abducted woman despite the risks. The police arrived late due to the dangerous terrain and potential for further violence.
DHO Dr. Irshad Saraki emphasized that if the woman's relatives do not file a case, it will be the responsibility of the police to take action.
The incidents underscore the severe risks faced by polio vaccination teams and the need for increased protection and security measures.
Tagged:

Pakistan

Jacobabad

PolioWorkerAssault
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