UTP's family alleges fatal torture

An under-trial prisoner held on judicial remand in Central Jail DG Khan has allegedly died from torture, sparking protests by his family and demands for immediate justice.

According to details, the deceased was identified as Farhat Abbas, a resident of Chak Mubarak Wala.

He had been arrested by Choti Police Station and sent to jail on judicial remand. When his relatives went to meet him at the jail yesterday, they were informed that his health had deteriorated and he had been shifted to Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital.

Upon reaching the hospital, however, the family discovered his dead body in the mortuary, with police already present.

The victim's brothers, Zulfiqar and Ishaq, accused police officials of custodial torture.

They alleged that SHO Akhtar Shah and officer Munir Ahmed of Choti Police had registered two "false cases" against Farhat Abbas, subjected him to torture during custody at the police station, and later continued to have him abused in jail.

"They killed our brother through torture in prison," Ishaq claimed.

"We demand justice from the Chief Minister Punjab and the IG Punjab, and strict action against the SHO and police staff involved."

Following the incident, DSP City Mustafa Kamal, DSP Saddar Hammad Nabi, and DSP Kot Chutta Arshad Khan, along with heavy police contingents, reached the hospital and held talks with the bereaved family.

The body was later shifted to the post-mortem house for autopsy to determine the cause of death.