A Lahore court has ordered police to respond to a bail petition from a suspect accused in the abduction and rape of two foreign women, a case that has already seen seven arrests and raised questions about the investigation's fairness. The suspect, a member of the janitorial staff at the property where the alleged crimes occurred, argues he was falsely implicated. Main Developments Special anti-rape court judge issued a notice to Defence C police on Saturday regarding a post-arrest bail plea filed under Section 497 of the CrPC. Advocate Salman Shahid, representing the petitioner, contended that his client was targeted due to what he called a defective, selective, and unfair investigation. The lawyer stated that the FIR attributes no specific allegation or role to the petitioner. He emphasized that no incriminating items—weapons, money, or case property—were recovered from the suspect, nor has police presented evidence of his presence at the scene. Read also: 3 Key Efforts in Balochistan's Peace Push: Bugti, Wasey Meet After hearing initial arguments, the court adjourned the matter until July 28, giving the prosecution time to file a response. The suspect remains in custody pending the next hearing. Background Police initially arrested four individuals linked to the abduction and rape of two foreign women, including one suspect related to a senior political figure. Subsequent arrests expanded the list to seven, with the current petitioner being one of the later detainees. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the gravity of the charges and the involvement of a politically connected suspect. The defense's claim of a flawed investigation adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes legal battle. Why It Matters This bail hearing tests whether the judicial system can safeguard due process in a case that carries intense public and political pressure. If the court finds merit in the janitor's claim of false implication, it could expose investigative bias and undermine the credibility of the entire prosecution. Conversely, denying bail without solid evidence against this suspect may fuel concerns about scapegoating low-level employees while the masterminds remain unidentified. The outcome will signal how rigorously courts scrutinize police work in sensitive sexual violence cases. What's Next The prosecution must file its response by July 28, when the court will hear further arguments. A decision on bail could come that same day or be deferred for additional deliberation. Regardless of the ruling, the case is likely to proceed to trial, where the court will weigh evidence against all seven suspects. The defense's allegations of a defective investigation may also prompt separate legal challenges.