Police action leaves 12 injured at protest against FESCO

Protester says 22-year-old Muhammad Asif was riding a motorbike when he hit a low-hanging wire

FAISALABAD:

Police resorted to baton charge on Thursday to disperse a crowd protesting against the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO).

Talking to newsmen, Abdul Hafeez, one of the protestors, said 22-year-old Muhammad Asif, a resident of Dhonola, was riding a motorbike when he hit a low-hanging wire.

Khuda Bux, another protester, said FESCO men were working on electricity lines in the area. He said they had spread electricity wires in the area without taking any precautionary measures.

He said due to the speed of the motorbike, Asif did not see the wire in time and broke his neck. “The apathy of FESCO officials was such that as Asif lay on the ground calling for help, no one came forward,” he said. He said some passers-by took Asif to a hospital but he died on the way.

Nearly 70 protesters put his body on Millat Road and blocked it for traffic. They also chanted slogans against FESCO and demanded action against those responsible for the death.

On receipt of information, a police team from Millat Town police station visited the scene and tried to negotiate with the protesters.

When the protesters refused to leave, police resorted to baton charge.

In exchange, the protesters threw stones at police. As many as 12 people were injured in the scuffle. Millat Town station house officer later arrived at the scene and pacified the protesters by assuring that action would be taken against those responsible for not taking precautions.

The protesters called off their protest and dispersed from the scene. Police dispatched the body to the mortuary for post mortem examination.

When contacted, FESCO spokesman Tahir Sheik said FESCO chief had formed a committee to probe the matter.

“If FESCO officials are found guilty, action will be taken against them,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2014.