CHINIOT, Jan 19: The family of a schoolgirl, who was allegedly raped by five men almost a month ago, has appealed to the authorities to provide her justice and protection.

Riaz and Kaneez Bibi, parents of the 7th class student of the TCF School located in the Ahmadpura locality of Chiniot City, say the accused are asking them to withdraw the rape case or face the consequences.

Police have registered a rape case, but failed to arrest any of the accused so far.

The girl’s parents allege the police are siding with the accused and pressurising them to withdraw the case.

Her family members lodged a protest against threats from the accused and appealed to the chief minister and the inspector general of police to provide them protection, order arrest of the accused and take legal action against the policemen sheltering the accused.

District Police Officer Rai Zameerul Haq says the police have been directed to arrest the accused, while one of the accused has already been arrested.

He says action will be taken against the policemen if they are found guilty of siding with the accused.

ACCIDENT: Two students riding a motorcycle were killed in an accident near Bund Road.

Four students -- Atif, Abdul Fasiq, Faraz Ahmad and Laeeb Ahmad -- were riding a motorcycle to reach the Commerce College from Chenab Nagar Town when they had an accident with a truck coming from the opposite side. As a result, Atif and Fasiq were killed at the scene, while Faraz and Laeeb were injured. The injured were admitted to District Headquarters Hospital.