Balakot slap incident triggers protest

Traffic cop apologises after heated altercation with woman passenger


Zulfiqar Ali January 27, 2025
PHOTO: FILE

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BALAKOT:

A traffic police officer apologised to a woman passenger following an altercation over the issuance of a fine ticket and cross-slapping.

The dispute, which took place at the Bararkot checkpoint, located between Gari Habibullah and Muzaffarabad, escalated into an altercation when the police official allegedly slapped the woman for raising her voice during negotiations.

The woman also slapped the officer in return, which led to public protest and the blocking of the Muzaffarabad Road.

According to reports, the police officer, stationed at Bararkot checkpoint, stopped a vehicle travelling from Muzaffarabad to Gari Habibullah (Balakot). He requested the vehicle's documents and upon checking found the documents reportedly incomplete, issued a fine ticket to the driver.

An argument ensued between the driver and the officer, during which a woman in the vehicle began shouting. In response, the officer allegedly slapped her. This triggered outrage among the public, who gathered in large numbers and blocked the road at Bararkot for six hours, demanding an apology from the police officer.

After the intervention of three SPs and a DSP, who held negotiations with the protesters, the officer apologised for his behaviour. During the discussions, the woman also slapped the officer twice.

The matter was resolved amicably through a Jirga involving police officers, Traffic Police personnel, and the victim's family. The road was subsequently reopened for traffic.

A video of the woman slapping the officer went viral on social media, leading to mixed reactions, with some sympathising with the woman, while others supported the police officer.

The incident also sparked criticism of police officers present at the scene, as social media users questioned why the official was allowed to be slapped in the presence of higher-ranking officials.

In a statement, Manshera DPO Shafiullah Gundapur acknowledged the inappropriate conduct of the police officer but also condemned the woman's behaviour. He expressed that certain individuals had attempted to exploit the situation to disrupt public order and create unrest.

He assured that immediate action was taken to maintain law and order, with three SPs and a DSP deployed to prevent any escalation. DPO Gundapur said that mistakes happened, but they would be addressed, and there would be no tolerance for divisive forces or those seeking to disturb peace.

He confirmed that an inquiry committee had been established under the direction of the Hazara region DIG to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice is served, considering all evidence and facts.

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