Inmate dies due to 'hospitalisation delay'

An under-trial prisoner, accused in a shooting case, passed away on Tuesday at the Sheikhupura District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital after reportedly being brought in late due to sudden health deterioration.

The family of the prisoner, identified as Muhammad Chand, placed his body at DHQ Hospital Chowk, blocking the Lahore-Sargodha.

The protestors accused the authorities of negligence and foul play. They said Chand was subjected to torture after his arrest at Housing Colony Police Station.

Later, while in jail, they alleged he was poisoned by his rivals with the complicity of the prison staff. Protesters claimed that corrupt practices and vendettas within the jail system led to his untimely death. They also alleged that bribes ranging from two to three lakh rupees were routinely collected in different jail branches.

The protest escalated when demonstrators detained four jail staff members who had transported Muhammad Chand to the hospital.

District Jail Sheikhupura Superintendent Chaudhry Muhammad Azhar Cheema denied the allegations of poisoning and corruption.

He stated that Muhammad Chand, aged over 40, suffered a heart attack.