Eight cops suspended after youth dies in custody

Family alleges police demanded Rs0.7 million in bribe for victim's release

RAWALPINDI:

Police authorities suspended eight policemen at Gujar Khan police station after a 25-year-old youth died due to an alleged police torture which followed a protest. The Civil Lines Station House Officer (SHO) was also removed from the post.

Zeeshan, who was arrested on the charge of theft, was subjected to “severe torture” in both Civil Lines and Gujar Khan police stations. However, to save their colleagues’ skin, police officers declared that the youth died on medical grounds.

The SP headquarters has been directed to complete the inquiry within three days. Protesting outside the Gujar Khan police station, Zeeshan’s family alleged that he was arrested by the Civil Lines police from Jhanda Chichi in a theft case. The police officials allegedly demanded Rs700,000 bribe for release. Zeeshan was subjected to severe torture after the family failed to pay the gratification.

According to the family, the Civil Lines police first subjected Zeeshan to severe torture and when his condition worsened, they handed him over to the Qazian police post of the Gujar Khan police station. Zeeshan was again tortured by cops up to the extent that he failed to survive. Some cops left Zeeshan dead in a local hospital and fled, the family members further alleged.

Saddar Division SP Nabil Khokhar said that the accused had a criminal history with the Cantt police station. “We are investigating the matter, but the accused apparently died of natural causes. Police will pursue legal action on the formal request of the victim’s heirs.”