Haripur cop ‘tortures’ citizen

Disturbing footage goes viral on internet; DPO orders probe

HARIPUR:

Weeks after several incidents of police violence in Rawalpindi, a similar case has surfaced in Haripur where a traffic warden has been accused of brutally torturing a citizen over a minor dispute.

The violent act went viral on social media, prompting authorities to take action.

According to local sources, the man had to be taken to a hospital for medical attention following the incident.

Following the circulation of the disturbing footage on social media, Haripur DPO Muhammad Umar Khan took action by suspending traffic warden Raja Azhar. A committee comprising DSP City and DSP Traffic was established to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Expressing zero tolerance for violence and misconduct towards citizens, Haripur DPO issued a stern warning to all police officers and personnel. He emphasised the importance of upholding integrity within the police department and assured that those found guilty of such misconduct would face serious disciplinary measures.

Local drivers revealed that the accused, Raja Azhar, stationed near Haripur Rajput Bakery, had a history of aggressive behaviour and had been deployed in Haripur for an extended period. They recounted previous incidents of similar nature and expressed frustration over the lack of decisive action by the authorities. Meanwhile, the victim demanded intervention from higher-ranking officers, including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IG and Hazara DIG, urging for the dismissal of the responsible official.

Meanwhile, a Wapda lineman Tuesday lost his life when he slipped from an electricity pole while performing maintenance work in Khalabat, Haripur.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2024.