Abuse of Power: Protest held against torture by police

residents held a protest against the abuse of power by police officials and secured the release of a detained boy.

MANSEHRA:

The residents of Shinkiari village held a protest against the abuse of power by police officials and secured the release of a detained boy.

According to family sources, thieves broke into Abdul Rasheed’s house while he was away and stole cash, jewellery and other valuables two days back. The Shinkiari police, however, arrested Rasheed’s son Abdul Basit, 17, for interrogation. The police, according to Rasheed, allegedly subjected him to severe torture. When Rasheed went to the police station to get his son released, Sub-inspector Waheed Swati refused to do so.

The complainant then informed his villagers about the incident, who in turn blocked Shahrah-e-Resham for about two hours. However, the protesters, upon getting assurance from DSP Mahmood Khan of initiating legal action against the sub inspector, dispersed peacefully.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2011.