LHC seeks report over video of alleged head-shaven youths in police custody

Govt denies allegation, maintaining that police had not uploaded any such video on social media

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought a report from the Gujranwala Regional Police Officer (RPO) by June 23 on a contempt petition filed against the Punjab Inspector General (IG), the Gujranwala City Police Officer (CPO), and the Gujranwala RPO over the alleged public humiliation of arrested youths by shaving their heads and circulating their videos on social media.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa heard the petition filed by Muhammad Umar, who was represented by Advocate Ahmad Sher Jutt.

At the outset of the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that despite clear directions issued by the LHC prohibiting the release of videos of people in police custody on social media, Gujranwala police allegedly arrested several youths, shaved their heads, and allowed videos of the incident to go viral, amounting to a violation of the court's orders.

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The government's law officer, however, denied the allegation, maintaining that the police had not uploaded any such video on an official social media platform. He further argued that it was possible the individuals had shaved their heads themselves as a fashion trend and later circulated the videos.

Questioning the government's stance, Justice Bajwa asked whether Gujranwala police had in fact shaved the heads of the arrested youths. The judge directed the law officer to obtain complete facts and submit a comprehensive report before the court.

Following the proceedings, the court sought a report from the Gujranwala RPO by June 23 and adjourned further hearing of the contempt petition until the same date.