Husband Alleges Police Torture and Coercion After Data Darbar Manhole Tragedy in Lahore
In a shocking development following the tragic deaths of a woman and her infant daughter who fell into an open manhole near Data Darbar in Lahore, the husband, Ghulam Murtaza, has publicly accused police of torture, intimidation, and coercion. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Murtaza claimed that instead of being treated as a victim, he was subjected to harsh interrogation and physical abuse by officers at Bhati Gate Police Station.
Allegations of Abuse and Suspicious Handling
Murtaza detailed that when he approached police to lodge a complaint about the incident, officers recorded his statement but quickly shifted focus to questioning his personal life. He alleged that police repeatedly inquired about any disputes with his wife and suggested that the bodies could not have traveled through the sewer system, implying foul play. According to Murtaza, he was pressured to accept a narrative that he was responsible for his wife's disappearance, with police behaving abusively throughout the process.
He further claimed that his mobile phone was confiscated, his cousin was detained, and he was taken to a separate room where he was beaten with belts and sticks. Despite requesting CCTV footage from Safe City cameras to establish the facts, Murtaza said police told him the truth had to come from him alone. He added that although a senior officer showed him a photograph of his wife's body for identification, police continued to cast doubt on his account and did not clearly inform him where the body had been recovered.
Family Accusations and Police Response
Meanwhile, another controversy emerged as the victim's family alleged that police obtained thumb impressions and signatures from the complainant—the deceased woman's father—on blank papers. In a video statement, family members claimed this move was intended to provide relief to departments allegedly responsible for the uncovered manhole. Lahore Police rejected the allegation, stating that the thumb impression was taken only to correct an error in the First Information Report (FIR).
A police spokesperson explained that the safety officer named in the original complaint had been incorrectly identified, and the correction was made at the morgue due to time constraints, in the presence of family members. Police said the Investigation Wing has since completed the correction process.
High-Powered Committee Findings and Actions
In a major development, a high-powered committee formed by the Inspector General of Punjab has completed its inquiry into the Bhati Gate tragedy. Police sources revealed that the committee found negligence on the part of the City SP, SDPO, and SHO, and concluded that the husband was tortured inside the SHO's room, allegedly in the presence of a senior officer.
Following reports of the husband's detention and alleged torture, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Lahore suspended the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhati Gate Police Station, while a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was served a show-cause notice. Separately, officials who allegedly provided misleading information to the government and media during the early hours of the incident have also been identified.
Senior officials from WASA and Rescue 1122 reportedly downplayed the situation, citing low water levels and suggesting the incident may not have occurred. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari later acknowledged that unverified information had been shared without a complete search operation, based on reports received from officials present at the scene.
Aftermath and Community Response
The mother and daughter were later laid to rest in Shorkot after funeral prayers attended by political leaders, social activists, and local residents. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, highlighting concerns over police conduct and public safety in Lahore.
As investigations continue, the case underscores the need for transparency and justice in handling such tragedies, with many demanding stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
