Forensic investigation identifies 50 lawyers

So far, only seven accused lawyers have been arrested after identification

LAHORE: In an important development in the case of lawyers' attack at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), 50 lawyers involved in the incident have been identified by a forensic investigation.

In its report submitted to the interior secretary, the Punjab Forensic Department. Head of the Investigation Committee Punjab Minister for Law Basharat Raja has said the investigation would proceed in light of the report submitted by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.

So far, only seven lawyers have been arrested by the Lahore police for their involvement in the ransacking of the PIC. The suspects have been identified with the help of CCTV footage and photographs, although several of them during the interrogation denied their involvement in any violence and vandalism. However, help has been sought from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to arrest those 33 people evidently involved in acts of violence and vandalism at PIC.

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The pictures of such suspects are being provided to the police and home ministry. Sources revealed that the police have been informed about the latest update by the Forensic Science Agency regarding assistance in data collection.

It has also been observed by the Forensic Science Agency that the police could not arrest a significant number of lawyers despite the availability of all the records.

The interior secretary expressed anger and ordered the immediate arrest of the lawyers who were involved in the ransacking of the PIC. On the other hand, a report on the PIC incident has been submitted to the Punjab chief minister which was also confirmed by Basharat Raja. He has written a detailed report to the home secretary with seven additional points.

In this regard, Raja said he had reported to the chief minister last night, the report had made recommendations about the role of the police and the Safe City Authority. “It is now the discretion of the chief minister to take action on this report,” he remarked.

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Police sources revealed that pictures and other data of the lawyers involved in the violence and vandalism, including a large number who torched the PIC's property and police vehicle have been collected.

The interior ministry and police obtained the photographs and footage of lawyers from PIC's CCTV cameras and outside coverage. It is reported that more than 600 lawyers were involved in the PIC incident among them more than 250 were involved in vandalism whereas the Punjab Forensic Science Agency has found approximately 50 footages and more pictures and videos are expected to unveil in coming days.

The authorities are investigating the matter using scientific methods to apprehend the real culprits involved in the attack.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2019.