September 26, 2006	Tuesday	Ramazan 2, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: A man picked up along with two other persons in a robbery case died after being tortured by Shahzad Town police on Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad Sikandar Hayat told Dawn that a murder case had been registered against sub-inspector Lal Din and constable Sayed Mohammad, while SHO Idrees Rathore, Muharar Fateh Sher and a human right officer Ulfat Arif were suspended.

SSP Sikandar Hayat said: “Obviously, he (Gulistan) would have been subjected to torture after which another man identified as Sajid was arrested. During interrogation his condition deteriorated and was removed to hospital. He may have died at the police station or before reaching the hospital.”

The SSP said at first Basharat was arrested by the police for his involvement in a robbery case in 2004. During interrogation Basharat revealed the name of Raja Gulistan who was also picked up by the police and later another person named as Sajid was taken into custody for interrogation in the case.

SSP Hayat said the two accomplices of Raja Gulistan may have also been tortured during interrogation.

Raja Gulistan, a cook at a hotel, was picked up by SI Lal Din of Shahzad Town police on Sunday at around 9pm. Raja Gulistan was reportedly tortured by the police during interrogation as a result of which his condition deteriorated and later died.

Early Monday morning, the hotel management where he had been employed was informed that Gulistan had died and his body was lying at Pims.

The news of Gulistan’s death sparked panic among the people who rushed to the hospital and strongly condemned the police.

According to preliminary medical report, the man was subjected to torture as there were visible marks on his head and legs.

“He seems to have been beaten up with a blunt weapon and kicked,” the doctor said.

A judicial inquiry into the incident has also been launched on the directives of Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao. Additional Deputy Commissioner General Amir Ali Ahmed has been appointed as inquiry officer. The accused police officials have been arrested after the murder case was registered against them.