Cops under fire for 'child torture'

Saddar SP suspends three police officers and orders formal inquiry

RAWALPINDI:

An alleged incident of police torture of a 12-year-old boy has surfaced at Rawat Police Station, where station officers are accused of subjecting the child to inhuman treatment, keeping him confined overnight with suspects involved in serious crimes and torturing him with pipes.

As a result of the alleged torture, the child's feet were injured and swollen, while a video showing his deteriorating condition also emerged.

Taking notice of the incident, SP Saddar Anum Sher suspended two sub-inspectors and one assistant sub-inspector and ordered an inquiry.

According to sources, a theft occurred at the house of a citizen named Zeeshan in the Rawat area, who informed police through the 15 emergency service.

During this time, the presence of two boys, including a 12-year-old named Danish, was reported on a nearby rooftop. Danish's family immediately apprehended him and questioned him, during which he admitted that Rs50,000 were kept with another friend.

His family returned the amount to the affected citizen Zeeshan, who is stated to be a close relative, in an attempt to settle the matter.

However, Rawat police intervened, citing the 15 call record, and summoned Danish and the other boy to the police station. Sources said a woman sub-inspector, stated to be a relative of the other boy, intervened and secured his release, while 12-year-old Danish was kept at the police station where three station officers allegedly subjected him to inhuman treatment.

The child's cousin, Malik Haseeb, said that when Zeeshan expressed willingness to forgive the child due to family ties and concern for his future, the station officer assured that the boy would be released in the morning.

Instead, the child was confined overnight in the lock-up with drug addicts and hardened criminals. In the morning, police claimed a report had already been registered and that the boy would only be released after completion of the process.

After being handed over on a sworn statement, the family noticed the child limping. A station officer reportedly admitted to minor beating, but upon reaching home, the child's legs and feet were found badly swollen.

The child later disclosed that he had been severely tortured, threatened at gunpoint by a police officer, and that a female police official had also instigated further beating.

According to a police spokesperson, SP Saddar Anum Sher suspended Sub-Inspectors Najeeb and Moez, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ikram, and ordered an inquiry into the allegations. The spokesperson said Rawalpindi police follow a policy of self-accountability and merit, and action will be taken against those found guilty.