Citizen approaches DIG, seeks action against cops for harassment

LAHORE:A resident of Baghbanpura, M Abdul Khaliq, has approached the DIG with a formal complaint, seeking a legal action against DSP Civil Lines Asif Khan and SHO Mughalpura Naseem Khan for alleged assault, threats, and vandalism.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on April 20, when Khaliq claims the police officers, accompanied by other personnel, forcibly attempted to enter his home. On resistance, the officers allegedly abused and physically assaulted him and his family, pushing them to the ground and causing damage to property, including doors and windows. Local residents reportedly intervened to prevent further violence.

Khaliq alleged that the police officers have a history of harassing him and are acting in collusion with his opponents. He pointed to a prior "false" FIR (No. 16/17) registered against him under Sections 7/51 and claimed that his rivals are using illicit means to influence law enforcement officials. He appealed to the DIG for immediate legal action and protection for his family, warning that failure to act could lead to severe consequences. “It is the constitutional duty of the police to protect citizens’ lives and property,” Khaliq stated. In response, DSP Asif Khan denied the allegations. SHO Naseem Khan, while speaking to The News, said police were acting on court orders to vacate a property that Khaliq was allegedly occupying illegally. “The court had restored the house’s possession to the rightful claimant, and we were implementing that directive,” the SHO maintained. Khaliq, however, claimed that he had already obtained a stay order from the court, contradicting the SHO’s assertion.