LAHORE (HRNW)- Despite strict instructions from the Chief Minister of Punjab and initial notices taken by IG Punjab Rao Abdul Karim, incidents of police high-handedness, torture of citizens, and illegal detention continue unabated in the provincial capital. Two major incidents of police violence surfaced simultaneously today, raising serious concerns regarding the supervision of the force.
Details of the Recent Incidents:
Reports of torture and illegal custody emerged from Police Station Defence A and Police Station Ghalib Market. Following the outcry, DIG Operations Lahore and the Investigation wing took immediate notice, suspending the lower-tier officials involved. However, the supervisory officers under whose command these actions allegedly took place remain in their positions.
Allegations Against Supervisory Officers:
Sources claim that ASP Barira is primarily responsible for the incident in Defence A. A police constable affected by the proceedings revealed that a domestic worker was taken into custody specifically on the orders of ASP Madam Barira.
-
Selective Accountability: In the Defence A case, only the SHO was suspended, and in Ghalib Market, only the In-charge of Investigation was penalized. Subordinate staff members argue that they acted solely upon the directives of their senior supervisory officers, yet they are the only ones facing consequences.
IG Punjab’s Previous Stance vs. Current Silence:
Upon taking charge, IG Punjab Rao Abdul Karim had previously taken swift action by closing SHO Kahna Asad Abbas and SDPO Kahna Agha Fasih for “poor supervision” following a torture case at the Lakhoki post. Critics and subordinates now question why similar strict action has not been taken against high-ranking officers in the Defence and Ghalib Market cases, suggesting a disparity in accountability.
Appeal for Justice:
Affected subordinate officials have appealed to IG Punjab to take a transparent notice of the situation. They have requested that instead of merely punishing junior staff, the inquiry should hold the senior officers accountable who authorized these illegal detentions and acts of violence.
Become a part of our mission to promote human rights and public awareness. Your support enables us to be a voice for the oppressed. Please contribute your donations through this link: https://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
