LHC seeks clarity in alleged custodial death case

Court tells heirs to pursue proper legal forum for body's release

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday heard a petition regarding the alleged custodial death of a man named Adeel in Kasur and the subsequent refusal of authorities to release his body to the family.

The court disposed of the plea after directing the heirs to approach the appropriate legal forum to secure the body's release. Justice Farooq Haider presided over the case filed by petitioner Sagheer.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar appeared in person in compliance with earlier court orders. At the outset of the hearing, the judge asked the IG whether he had examined the matter.

IG Anwar informed the court that he had reviewed the entire case record, noting that the deceased had previously been incarcerated and that all relevant photographic evidence had been inspected.

Justice Haider remarked that the police are entrusted with safeguarding the public and must conduct themselves above suspicion.

He noted that under the current IG, the police force appeared to be operating with greater conscientiousness.

The judge stressed that an accused taken into custody on physical remand becomes the responsibility of the police.

Pointing to inconsistencies in the case, he observed that questions naturally arise when attempts are made to "rescue companions" while others remain unharmed. "People ask whether the bullet was instructed not to hit the policemen," he remarked.

Justice Haider said timely resolution of such issues would benefit society and questioned why matters remained unaddressed until the IG's intervention.