Awaiting justice: Man whose ears were cut off in critical condition

Few men allegedly committed the crime when the worker demanded his wage

RAWALPINDI: The police have yet to arrest the suspects involved in chopping off the ears of a pushcart worker on Wednesday night, who now said to be in critical condition at a local hospital due to excessive bleeding. 

Shakeel Khan, 25 lost both his ears, when he demanded his wage of Rs800 after dropping off a pile of sawdust at the house of a few locals who had hired his services.

The men reportedly carry influence in the area and are allegedly involved in drug business.

Even though, Punjab chief minister took notice of the incident and directed the regional police officer (RPO), to arrest the accused, no progress was made till the filing of this report.

Repeated attempts were made to contact the RPO, Wisal Fakhar Sultan Raja, he was not available for comments. Amir Khan, station house officer New Town refused to give his version when he was contacted. “I’m having my lunch and I have no time for your queries,” he said.

Jamraiz Khan, Shakeel’s brother filed a complaint with the New Town police station and on Thursday an FIR was registered against the suspects Abdul Qayum, his son Hassan and Mir Bagh, and four unidentified men, who allegedly chopped off the pushcart worker’s ears.

Sources in the New Town police station said that elder son of Abdul Qayum was facing murder charges in a separate case and was currently in Adiala Jail.

“Police seem helpless against the influential men as they bribe them on a monthly basis,” said another police officer, who requested not to be named. He said that they bribe the police to allow them continue with their drug business.

The complainant said that the police was reluctant to arrest the nominated suspects.

He said that when his brother demanded his wages the suspects chopped his ears with a knife and escaped from the site.

Shakeel was shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences from the Holy Family Hospital where his condition was said to be critical.

Jamraiz told The Express Tribune that his brother was in critical condition because of excessive bleeding.

Shakeel’s is youngest of seven brothers.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2015.