Police brutality

The mysterious death of Maryam Bibi, a 29-year-old woman, aboard the Faisalabad-bound Millat Express, has ignited public outcry. Maryam’s heirs allege that a railway police official pushed her from the moving train that led to her tragic death. This has prompted widespread calls for justice.

Captured in a viral video, the incident depicts a railway constable verbally abusing Maryam. Despite the swift arrest and suspension of the constable, questions persist regarding the circumstances surrounding Maryam’s death. In response to mounting pressure, Pakistan Railways has initiated an inquiry under a committee tasked with investigating the incident and delivering a comprehensive report. However, conflicting narratives from fellow passengers and Maryam’s heirs have raised doubts about the accuracy of the official account provided. The initial reluctance of Maryam’s heirs to consent to her postmortem examination further complicates the matter. With the examination now complete, it is imperative for the authorities to meticulously analyse all available evidence, including eyewitness’ testimonies and forensic findings, to ascertain the truth behind Maryam’s untimely death. Irrespective, the case points at broader systemic issues within Pakistan’s law enforcement apparatus, including inadequate training, lack of oversight and a culture of impunity for abusive conduct. Efforts to address these underlying challenges must be prioritised to prevent similar incidents in the future and restore public trust in law enforcement institutions.

In addition to preventive measures, ensuring swift and appropriate punishment for those found guilty of misconduct is essential for maintaining accountability and upholding standards within law enforcement agencies. This includes imposing disciplinary actions or legal consequences as warranted by the severity of the offence. Establishing enhanced oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies have now become an imperative to ensure accountability and transparency.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2024.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.