Violent dispute: Residents protest alleged killing by police

SHO suspended, land dispute issue to be discussed in provincial assembly.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Residents of Daraban tehsil continued their protests for the second consecutive day on Monday against the alleged killing of a resident by police officials.

All shops remained closed in the area as locals observed a strike, while protesters blocked the main road linking DI Khan with Zohb for a few hours.

A dispute between Daraban police officials and residents over constructing a protection wall for the police station turned violent when one person was killed and another injured on Sunday.

The police station wanted to construct a wall between the station’s building and bus stand in Daraban Bazaar, 60km west of DI Khan city. The owner of the bus stand claims that the wall was being constructed on his property.

SHO Daraban Alamgir Khan, who was suspended by DPO Sohail Khalid Sunday night, told The Express Tribune that on Sunday a man named Attaur Rehman rammed his motorbike into him when he was digging the ground to make the wall.

Rehman then began abusing Khan after which he was taken to the police station. However, people misinterpreted the move and began protesting.

Resident Umer Hayat, Shoaib and Sajjad were shot in the clashes that followed. Hayat was critically injured and taken to District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. He was then referred to a hospital in Multan, but he died on the way.

SHO Khan denied claims that Hayat was killed by the police.

After the death of Hayat, a large number of protesters marched towards the police station and threw stones at the building. The police used tear gas and firing to control the crowd.

“Daraban Bazaar was closed and people started running everywhere for their safety,” said a witness.

DPO Sohail Khalid, along with other officers, reached the site to avert further damage.

“There is a dispute between Daraban Police Station and owner of Daraban bus stand and the district government is trying to find a peaceful solution,” said Khalid.

MPA Israrullah Gandapur told journalists that the matter is on the floor of the assembly and a report has been sent to the commissioner of DI Khan as well.

People burnt tyres and chanted slogans against the police and demanded punishment for the police personnel involved in firing.

DPO Khalid has suspended Khan and formed a four-member committee to inquire about the incident.

An FIR has been lodged against SHO Khan and other policemen under Sections 302 and 337-A1 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2012.