There are serious allegations against the Lahore police, accusing them of framing a minor boy in connection with a case related to the May 9 riots. The boy’s family has claimed that they have been subjected to harassment as a result of these alleged actions, which ultimately led to the death of the boy’s father. However, the Lahore deputy inspector general (DIG) held a press conference to deny these allegations, stating that the police investigation contests the boy’s age.
The accusations gained traction on social media and were highlighted by human rights campaigner and lawyer Jibran Nasir. Nasir called for the National Commission of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan to independently investigate the matter, as he believes the Punjab police cannot be trusted to provide clarification.
According to the lawyer representing the boy’s family, he was wrongly implicated in a case related to the May 9 events. The arrest of the PTI chairman on that day resulted in widespread violence, with important military installations being attacked. In response, the state launched a severe crackdown against the party. While Imran Khan was released the following day, thousands of PTI workers and top-tier leaders were arrested.
The president of the Lahore Bar Association (LBA), Rana Intezar, released a video message presenting the “real story” of the case. Intezar revealed that his client, the minor boy, is 14 years old, and the police wrongly implicated him in the case. He alleged that the police had even sexually harassed the boy’s sisters. Intezar said he had secured bail for the minor after 50 days, but the police continued to harass the family, which ultimately led to the death of the boy’s father.
The LBA president questioned the need for a house raid when the boy had already secured bail. He also criticized the police’s highhandedness and called for an end to the harassment, action against the police officials involved, and the minor to be discharged from the case.
Lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir raised questions regarding the boy’s age, his arrest, his release after prolonged detention, and his re-arrest. He called for accountability and action against the police officers involved if the boy’s rights were violated.
The Lahore DIG of Police (operations), Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, held a press conference to address the allegations. He denied any police involvement in the father’s death, stating that it was a medical-related death. Rizvi condemned the sensationalization of such incidents and referred to it as “terrorism.” He also mentioned that the matter had been reported to the Federal Investigation Agency and its cybercrime wing, and called for departmental action against the police personnel involved.
The Lahore police released details of the cases against the minor, stating that he was arrested and sent on judicial remand in one case. He was later released on bail by an anti-terrorism court. They also mentioned that he was wanted in another case but failed to respond to summon notices. The police confirmed that no violence took place during the raid and stated that the father’s death was due to natural causes.
It remains to be seen how these allegations against the Lahore police will be investigated and resolved. The calls for an independent investigation and accountability underscore the need for transparency and justice in such cases.