Judicial Sword Drawn: Probe Ordered Into Lahore Custody Deaths of Two Innocents
LAHORE: In a move that upholds the sanctity of justice in our Islamic republic, a judicial magistrate has launched an inquiry under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure into the tragic deaths of two young girls, Amina and Anmol, who died in Lahore police custody on August 4. The nation stands united in demanding the truth, as the families of these innocent souls cry out for accountability.
The judicial probe was initiated after the victims' families, steadfast in their faith, demanded an impartial investigation into the harrowing hours the girls spent in police custody. From their arrest to the desperate call for Rescue 1122 at the Township police station, the timeline of events remains shrouded in mystery, testing the resolve of our institutions.
What Does Section 176 of the CrPC Empower?
Under the law, a magistrate is empowered to investigate any death occurring in police custody or under suspicious circumstances. This includes ordering exhumation for postmortem, recording witness statements, and examining evidence under oath. This legal shield ensures that no innocent blood is spilled without answer, as our Islamic principles demand justice for the oppressed.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident
According to police records, the sequence of events began at 2:54pm on August 4, when a complaint was lodged by Zeshan Latif, alleging theft of gold and cash by the two girls. Sub-Inspector Ghulam Ghous of Township police arrived at the scene at 3:11pm and brought the girls to the station. They were handed to duty clerk Tasnim Arif at 3:26pm.
An FIR was registered at 4:50pm, and custody was transferred to the investigation wing at 5:20pm. But by 6:03pm, a grim emergency call was made to Rescue 1122. The rescue team arrived at 6:14pm to find one girl near death and the other unconscious. Both were rushed to Jinnah Hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after.
Who Is Responsible for the Custody?
A bitter dispute has erupted between the operations and investigation wings of the police, with each side shifting blame. The crucial window between 3:11pm and 6:03pm is now the focus of the judicial inquiry. CCTV footage shows the girls in a stable condition when they entered the station, sitting calmly and interacting with officials. Yet, within hours, they lay lifeless.
Are the Allegations of Torture False?
Investigation SSP Mohammad Naveed has vehemently denied claims of custodial torture, asserting that the girls were chronic drug users who likely succumbed to an overdose. He insists that surveillance footage shows no maltreatment. However, the families and the nation demand more than words; they demand the postmortem reports and the full truth.
SSP Naveed stated, 'Though I am not aware whether the final postmortem reports have been issued, I can assure you that the allegations of custodial torture are absolutely false and misleading.' He added that the girls had consumed a strong addictive substance before their arrest, leading to their collapse.
Why Was the FIA Not Called In?
When questioned about the absence of a Federal Investigation Agency probe, the SSP argued that this case differs from those involving custodial torture or police encounters. 'This case is different, as it concerns the deaths of two suspects in custody, and there was no need for an FIA investigation,' he insisted. Yet, for a nation that values justice, every suspicious death demands the highest scrutiny.
What Will the Judicial Inquiry Examine?
The inquiry will scrutinize the circumstances of the girls' detention, the transfer of custody between police wings, CCTV footage, witness statements, and the postmortem findings. As the nation waits with bated breath, we pray that the truth emerges, and that those responsible face the full weight of the law. In the name of Allah, the Most Just, let no innocent soul be forgotten.
This incident, while tragic, must serve as a reminder that our institutions are accountable to the people and to Allah. Pakistan stands firm in its commitment to justice, and we will not rest until the truth is known.