Feudals torture labourer to death

MULTAN: A labourer was tortured to death by three feudal lords for allegedly falling in love with a land lord’s daughter, residents said.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took notice of the August 20 incident on Saturday.

The murder near Shujaabad came to light following repeated protests by residents for the past three days. They said Allah Ditta, 28, was half buried in sand and lashed to death for allegedly having illicit relations with the daughter of a feudal lord, Khadim Hussain. Allah Ditta was kidnapped from Basti Daad while he was watering crops, locals said.

However, Khadim Hussain and his accomplices – Majeed and Hashim – said that they had killed Allah Ditta when he tried to rob their house.

The FIR filed does not mention any incident of torture. Police officials said that it could not be verified if Allah Ditta was buried and killed. Brother of the deceased, Imran, claims that SHO Irshadul Hasan is supporting the feudals. Police have arrested Khadim Hussain and Majeed, while Hashim has been released on bail. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has sought a report from the police in two days.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2010.