The controversial video of Salahuddin Ayubi made several rounds on social media after he allegedly faced severe police brutality, which led to his death. Earlier this week, the news of Ayubi’s passing after being beaten and humiliated in police custody fumed the public. The accused ATM robber was declared differently-abled, making him the centre of social media attention and now amongst showbiz personalities too.
Ayubi died during an investigation in Rahimyar Khan after the police arrested him following a viral video in which he attempted to rob an ATM. He was a resident of Gujranwala and his family claimed him to be a disturbed individual.
A campaign calling for the ‘Justice of Salahuddin’ has taken the internet by storm while several human rights activists and film and theatre actors have shared his video. They demanded the high officials to play their role in providing justice, instead of disseminating terror. The campaign largely criticises the horrendous practices against criminals in prison who deserve the benefit of doubt or rehabilitation – specifically the differently-abled.
A video displaying the police's behaviour towards Salahuddin shows him begging for water and requesting the police to stop the torture. Activists, celebrities and influencers re-shared the clip to question the role of authorities in their attempt to bring order.
PHOTO: PUBLICITY RABI PIRZADAActor-singer Rabi Pirzada, told Express Tribune that the incident is an eye-opener, suggesting that it reciprocates the need to call for action against such abuse of power.
“The death of Salahuddin exposed the police system in Punjab and reiterated the need to be vigilant. Everyone should raise their voice against this brutal murder of a differently-abled person. I am surprised how a human can torture another human in this manner," she told The Express Tribune. "He was innocent, given his family also cleared his name on the arm, informing about his condition, but the police kept brutally torturing him without regard. That man did not steal any money, but he was made subject to torment. We demand justice for him.” Pirzada added.
PHOTO: FILE MEGHA
Actor Megha also raised her voice against the incident saying, “The torture against that innocent individual shook me, and the worst thing is, that it took place in Muharram. That differently-abled person was only requesting for water, but he was tortured for it, which I believe qualified this as the worst example of killing someone in the name of justice.”
PHOTO: FILE SHEEBA BUTT
Actor Sheeba Butt also expressed her dissatisfaction towards the corrosive and controlling behaviour of the police. She said, “He was a differently-abled, innocent individual but the cold-hearted officials did not pay heed to his condition. There were wounds of torture on his body, depicting the pain he was in.”
Stage actor Laika Khan added to the denunciation with hope for betterment. She said, “I am doing my best to raise awareness, given that I have never heard of such a torturous killing at the hand of police authorities. I am hopeful that justice will be provided to the family and that the Prime Minister will take notice of this incident.
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