Punished cop alleges mistreatment

Posts video on social media with child, wife

LAHORE:

A couple of days after a policeman committed suicide in Abbas Lines allegedly due to maltreatment by senior officers, a constable from Bahawalpur took to social media to accuse the seniors of mistreatment, vindictive behaviour and protecting corrupt elements.

The cop threatened to take 'extreme measures' if he was not provided justice.

Escorted by his wife and a minor child, the constable said he had been suspended for being three- hour late from duty.

Carrying the name plate of M Mehboob on his uniform, he alleged that his senior officers were offended because he had submitted a complaint to the inspector general of Punjab police against the harsh punishment for the minor negligence and they had got him declared a mental patient.

He asked what would be the effect on his child if he was sent to a hospital. He alleged that he had been punished for his honesty.

He appealed to the prime minister, IGP and the regional and district police officers of Bahawalpur to ensure justice with him.

Lower cadre officials are often found complaining of poor treatment by senior police officers. They complain of arbitrary decisions and discretionary faced by the staffers.

Later, Bahawalpur DPO Kamran Faisal visited the house of Constable Mehboob Iqbal. He also gave him Rs20,000 as financial aid and reinstated him on his job.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2021.