Police misbehave with complainant family

Islamabad : A family hailing from Abbottabad claims to have experienced severe mistreatment at the hands of the Kohsar Police Station in Islamabad after seeking justice regarding a faulty mobile phone purchase. Sources indicate that the family, led by a woman named Sarah, faced alleged bullying by shopkeepers and subsequently, biased and abusive behaviour from the police, raising serious questions about the efficacy of the much-touted ‘Model Police Station’ initiative.

According to the family’s account, Sarah purchased a phone for Rs188,000 with a three-day check warranty. The phone reportedly malfunctioned the very next day. Upon returning to the shopkeeper, she was allegedly met with a demand to accept a significantly reduced refund or lose both the phone and her money.

Seeking recourse, the family approached the Kohsar Police Station. However, instead of receiving assistance, the family alleges that two of Sarah’s sisters and a brother were detained in a holding cell, and a police report was filed against them.

The affected family claimed that the Station House Officer (SHO) and his staff subjected them to abusive language and threats, seemingly siding with the shopkeepers. They further alleged that while multiple shopkeepers were involved in the initial dispute, only one male shopkeeper was symbolically detained, while the others were allowed to leave freely.

When questioned about the detention of the complainants, a concerned Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), whose name was not immediately available, reportedly stated that the action was taken due to ‘fear of public disorder’ and that keeping the women in custody was a ‘necessity.’ This justification has been vehemently rejected by the affected family.

The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the reality of police reforms in Islamabad. Critics are pointing to the stark contrast between the advertised image of ‘Model Police Stations’ and the alleged treatment with citizens seeking justice. The case has ignited concerns about a potential two-tiered system where the vulnerable face humiliation while the powerful receive preferential treatment. The police sources disclosed that an inquiry has been marked to SP (City), Khalid Awan to ascertain the facts.

SP (City) when contacted, confirmed the report saying the issue could be resolved amicably but the concerned officer mishandled the case. He, however, said that the matter has been resolved and the shopkeeper has paid back price of the mobile phone with one hundred thousand rupees as compensation.