Lockup cameras fail to prevent another custodial death in Lahore

Police claim that the suspect, wanted in 35 robbery cases, committed suicide

LAHORE: The installation of Closed Circuit TV cameras (CCTV) in police lockups around Punjab have failed to keep a check on conditions as another custodial death occurred at a police station in the provincial capital.

The CCTV cameras had been installed on the orders of Punjab Police Inspector General Arif Nawaz, but despite this action, a death was reported at the Lower Mall police station. This incident has prompted the Lahore police to order a judicial inquiry as it comes on the coattails of another custodial death at the Akbari Gate police station in July. Meanwhile, developments on the Akbari Gate judicial inquiry or any other similar probe have yet to be made public.

The victim, identified as Shan alias Shani, a resident of Farukhabad, was in police custody over allegations of at least 35 cases of theft and robbery. Before Eid, he was presented before the district kutchery for legal proceedings where he reportedly attempted to commit suicide with a blade.

Another case of attempted suicide charges was also registered against him.

The victim afterwards was again locked up at the police station rather than being admitted to a hospital. At midnight, he was found dead.

Police have taken the body to the morgue for an autopsy and are investigating the matter further.

City Investigations SP Mansoor Qamar said that the victim was a drug addict. “He fell asleep at noon and was later found dead.” He claimed the initial medico-legal report showed no marks of torture on his body. He continued that a medical board was formed for inspection of cases like that of Shan, but it could not proceed due to the Eid holidays.

Inspector-General of Police Arif Nawaz and CCPO BA Nasir also took notice of the incident. Nasir ordered a regular departmental inquiry and deputed SSP (IAB) Faisal Mukhtar for the purpose.

Nasir also decided that a judicial inquiry would be requested to maintain more transparency.

The initial reported submitted before Nasir read: "Shan alias Shani was in custody in case FIR No. 643/ Under section 325-511 dated 10-08-19 at Lower Mall police station. He [was] found dead in [the] lock-up at 12:05-midnight on Friday and Saturday. A case was registered against him when he injured himself in the Bakhshi-khana during his appearance in the court in case FIR No. 63/17 u/s 381-A/411 of PS Naulakha.”

Lahore police spokesman shared that the police, Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and Crime Scene Lab unit have collected evidence and shifted the body to Mayo Hospital for an autopsy.

Just a month ago, 30-year-old Zeeshan, arrested over charges of sexual assault, was found hanged in the police lockup of Akbari Gate. The victim’s family alleged that he was killed by the police during interrogation. The family also held a protest over the incident. However, senior police officers had claimed he committed suicide. They also suggested a judicial probe of the case.

After the Akbari Gate custodial death incident, IGP Arif Nawaz ordered field officers, including CCPO BA Nasir, to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in police lockups. It is important to note that CCTV cameras were installed where Zeeshan committed suicide. However, no back up was available.

Perturbed by this severe negligence, the IGP issued another order that cameras be installed in SHO rooms and lockups should have the backup/data of at least one week so that video recordings could be produced in court as evidence in a transparent inquiry. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2019.