Balakot cops suspended for torturing student

Two policemen in Balakot were suspended and placed under departmental inquiry after allegedly detaining and torturing a student in their residential quarters, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the student, the policemen first demanded money and, upon refusal, took him to their residential room where they beat him with belts and subjected him to torture.

Following the incident, Mansehra District Police Officer (DPO), Shafiullah Gandapur, took strict notice and ordered immediate action. Constable Abbas and Constable Adil were suspended and confined to quarter guard, while Balakot SP, Jehanzaib Khan, was appointed as the inquiry officer. He has been directed to submit a complete report within three days.

In a press release, a police spokesperson said the DPO made it clear that inappropriate behaviour with citizens — particularly students — would not be tolerated under any circumstances. "The role  of the police is to serve the public and protect their lives and property, not to harass them," the statement read.