Riot investigators identify 260 suspects

Govt denies mistreatment of women inmates

LAHORE:

Investigators have identified 260 more suspects in the May 9 attack on Jinnah House. According to sources, the suspects were traced from the WhatsApp groups of those already detained since the arson attack during protest against the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.

DIG Investigations Kamran Adil had told media persons earlier that the police had been analysing at least 169 WhatsApp groups allegedly linked with planning the attack. He said online communication applications had been used for provocation.

The police collected videos and messages shared in the groups and through them identified more suspects in the incident. The authorities had initially focused on compiling a list of suspects using mobile phone locations through geo-fencing and identification from the videos and photos of the incident.

The joint investigation teams (JITs) formed for the purpose have expedited their efforts to arrest the suspects and raids are being conducted in this connection. The sources said 14 JITs had been formed to probe into the case.

On the other hand, Lahore SSP Investigations Anoush Masood Chaudhry and Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider visited Kot Lakhpat Jail to observe the facilities being provided to female inmates after allegations of misbehavior.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi had ordered the formation of a committee comprising both the officers to look into the matter.

The officers held meetings in the prison and spoke to the media afterwards.

Speaking outside the jail, SSP Anoush Masood said the prison had the basic necessities available, including provisions of filtered water, clean bedsheets, clothes and food.

She said daily use items, including food, were also being delivered to the inmates from their homes. Lists of the items received in the jails with the inmates’ signatures were also shared with media representatives.

The official said the prisoners were being treated very well and there was no question of misbehaviour.

The SSP said the officials had held meetings with almost every PTI prisoner and enquired from them personally if they had any complaint.

She said the prisoners were being provided medicines, including those for breathing problems. A medical officer, two lady health visitors (LHVs), a psychologist and a gynaecologist were deputed round the clock.

The official added that the premises had all female staff and entry of males was nearly impossible.

“We are fully equipped to deal with any medical emergency. Ambulances are deputed at the prison to shift a prisoner to a tertiary care hospital in case of need,” she added, pointing out the prison also had its own hospital.

The DC said the jail rules had described the provision of facilities to the prisoners and the protocols were being followed in this regard.

Earlier, the caretaker chief minister had rejected the PTI’s allegation of mistreatment of its female workers and supporters in jails, saying the protection of imprisoned women was his responsibility. Speaking to the media, he said 32 women had been arrested following the May 9 riots and 11 of them were with the Punjab government.

Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge remanded two PTI leaders in judicial custody and handed over another to the police on a two-day physical remand. The judge turned down a request of Shadman police of further physical remand of Ijaz Chaudhry and Dr Yasmeen Rashid for investigation.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2023.