Torture allegation surface in sewer incident

SHO suspended, explanation sought from DSP over claims of coercion

LAHORE:

The investigation into the tragic deaths of a young woman and her infant daughter, who fell into an open sewer near Bhati Gate, has expanded after the victim's family levelled allegations against police, including claims of coercion, unlawful detention and torture.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening near Data Darbar, where 24-year-old Sadia and her 10-month-old daughter Rida reportedly fell into an uncovered sewer line.

Rescue 1122 teams recovered Sadia's body nearly six hours after the incident, while the infant's body was retrieved about 16 hours later following an extensive search operation.

In a video statement, members of the bereaved family alleged that police officials forcibly obtained signatures and thumb impressions from Sadia's father, the complainant in the case, on blank papers.

The family claimed the signatures were taken under pressure to shield departments accused of negligence for leaving the sewer uncovered.

"These signatures were taken forcibly to provide relief to the accused officials," family members alleged.

Sadia's husband also accused police of subjecting him to physical torture after taking him and his cousins into custody for questioning.

He claimed they were beaten and pressured during detention, intensifying concerns over police conduct.

Earlier, unverified reports on social media suggested police were trying to force a confession from the husband.

Police officials confirmed that Sadia's husband and two relatives were detained after Sadia's father raised suspicions, alleging that his son-in-law may have been involved in the deaths.

The father also accused the family hosting the couple in Lahore of having enmity with them.

Police maintained that the detentions were part of an investigation initiated due to conflicting statements and suspicions surrounding the incident.

The case was further complicated when officials from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and other departments initially expressed doubts about the occurrence, citing technical issues such as the sewer's narrow width and slow water flow.

A provincial government spokesperson had earlier termed reports of the incident "fake," a statement later contradicted after the recovery of both bodies.

Following allegations of misconduct, DIG Operations Lahore ordered immediate action. SHO Bhatti Gate Zain Abbas was suspended, while the concerned DSP was issued a show-cause notice.

The Internal Accountability Branch (IAB) has been directed to conduct an independent inquiry.

Police said the inquiry will examine the circumstances under which Sadia's husband and relatives were detained, allegations of torture, the legality of obtaining signatures from the complainant, and whether police actions during and after the rescue operation were justified. It will also review why detentions were made following an emergency rescue call.

On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, authorities have been instructed to complete the inquiry promptly.

Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against any officers found guilty of misconduct, abuse of authority, or negligence.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released.