Police clash with 'dengue SOPs violators'

Book accused under obstruction & assault charges

RAWALPINDI:

The owner and staff of a restaurant on Stadium Road's Food Street in Rawalpindi have been charged with obstructing official duty and assaulting government officials after health department workers discovered dengue larvae on the premises.

The confrontation escalated when the team, accompanied by the police, attempted to take action in line with the Punjab government's dengue emergency measures.

According to the police, the incident occurred at Shehanshah Tikka House when health officials and the Punjab Food Authority conducted an inspection. The health team found poor hygiene conditions and discovered dengue larvae in various areas of the restaurant.

When the restaurant's owner, Nadeem Alam Kiyani, was informed of the findings, he allegedly responded aggressively, calling his associate, Yamin Kiyani. Both men are accused of assaulting health inspectors, seizing official documents, including the challan book, and tearing the inspector's shirt during the altercation.

The situation quickly escalated when police officers tried to intervene. According to the police report, Yamin Kiyani verbally abused the officers, resisted arrest, and attempted to seize a rifle and magazine from one of the policemen.

Nadeem Kiyani allegedly attacked a constable with an iron rod, injuring him, while other restaurant staff damaged police property, including breaking the screen of the police van.

In response, the police arrested 11 people on the spot, including Amir, one of the restaurant's staff members. Additional reinforcements arrived as approximately 35 people from the restaurant reportedly attacked the police with glass bottles and jugs.

During the chaos, another employee of the restaurant struck the owner, Nadeem Kiyani, on the head, inadvertently injuring him while resisting the police.

On Sunday, PML-N Senator Nasir Butt visited New Town Police Station after receiving reports of violence against the restaurant management.

Accompanied by 20 to 25 people, Senator Butt met with SHO Luqman Javed, who briefed him on the incident. The senator expressed concern over the alleged violence inflicted on the hotel staff and questioned the conduct of the police. He demanded a transparent inquiry into the matter and called for the suspension of the officers involved until the investigation is complete.

Meanwhile, the court has remanded the accused in judicial custody, with four individuals, including the injured hotel owner, claiming to suffer from respiratory and diabetic conditions. They were directed to receive medical treatment before being transferred to jail.

Local residents expressed their concerns about the potential health risks posed by establishments that neglect proper hygiene standards, especially in light of the ongoing dengue outbreak. Many community members are urging authorities to implement stricter monitoring measures to prevent similar occurrences and protect public health.