Police under fire amidst gang bloodshed in Lahore

Allegations of corruption cast shadow on law enforcement

LAHORE:

The Punjab Police is facing criticism as the provincial capital continues to grapple with ongoing bloodshed stemming from age-old rivalries and reported gang warfare. Allegations of police complicity in exacerbating these conflicts have raised serious concerns about the force's ability to address such entrenched issues.

At the heart of the matter are the figures known as "deraydar" and "dushmandar," who play a central role in perpetuating violence in the city.

These individuals serve as lucrative assets for the police, who exploit their influence for financial gain. Reports suggest that officers receive bribes from both complainants and accused parties, effectively profiting from the turmoil.

According to sources, many officers are on the payroll of influential “deraydar” and “dushmandar”, receiving illicit payments in addition to their official salaries.

This dual allegiance compromises the integrity of the police force and undermines public trust in law enforcement.

Furthermore, senior police officers are allegedly involved in shady property deals, using their connections with these powerful figures to further their own interests.

This collusion extends beyond law enforcement, encompassing various sectors of society and perpetuating a culture of corruption.

The recent murder of Ameer Balaj Tipu, a young man killed during a wedding ceremony in Chung due to a decades-old enmity, has reignited the debate surrounding the police's role in addressing longstanding feuds among prominent Lahore families.

Sultan Mehmood alias Bachu Pehalwan, the grandfather of Ameer Balaj Tipu, holds the Punjab Police responsible for perpetuating the cycle of violence, citing a lack of justice following previous incidents.

Bachu alleges that senior police officers, including former SSP Chaudhry Shafqat, have colluded with suspects accused of orchestrating attacks on his family.

He claims that bribes were paid to fabricate false FIRs, shielding the assailants from accountability.

Journalists argue that reconciliation efforts between rival factions are often undermined by vested interests seeking to exploit the ongoing hostilities.

Israr Butt, a senior political figure in Lahore, emphasises the role of gossip and misinformation in fuelling these rivalries, perpetuating a cycle of violence and retribution.

Ameer Balaj Tipu, a promising young man with aspirations for peace, tragically lost his life before realising his dreams of reconciliation. His untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for intervention to end these conflicts.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2024.