MUZAFFARGARH: The district police officer (DPO) has suspended an investigation officer of a torture case in which a young man was allegedly tortured by the police over accusations of stealing a solar panel belonging to the brother of a station house officer (SHO) in Bet Mirhazar Khan area, located 60 kilometres from the city.

DPO Hasnain Haider was approached by Parveen Mai, the complainant of case, who stated that her husband Gulam Hussain and son were arrested illegally and subjected to violence on July 31.

According to the FIR, Shahzad, the young son of Parveen Mai, was arrested along with his father on charges related to the theft of a solar panel owned by Shahid Leghari, the brother of Station House Officer (SHO) Zahid Laghari. According to reports, the police subjected the young man to severe torture, resulting in the loss of one of his legs.

When the injured man was taken to the hospital, the administration refused to treat him due to the lack of a police docket, which had not been issued by the police. This refusal compounded the victim’s suffering.

Family members have alleged that the police at Bet Mirhazar Khan tortured the youth in the presence of SHO Laghari’s brother, apparently to satisfy his demands. The family also claims that police officials have continued to threaten them with legal action.

Parveen Mai also accused Bet Mirhazar SHO Hamza Khan of registering false cases at the behest of SHO Laghari. She added that her family was unfairly charged and tortured, leading to her son’s severe injury and refusal of medical treatment due to the absence of a police docket.

DPO Haider said he had suspended investigation officer Ramzan Madni and also ordered departmental inquiry against SHO Hamza. He said he has assign the Headquarters DSP to investigate the case. He said he had himself summoned both parties for an investigation and has assured that appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible.

DPO Hasnain Haider confirmed that he is reviewing the case and is committed to addressing the issue thoroughly. A spokesperson for the police said Shahzad was being treated in a public hospital and was recovering.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2024