Man dies after alleged torture in Lahore police custody

Published November 22, 2014
Police claim Allah Rakha, a member of the Christian community who was taken into custody for purportedly selling narcotics, died of a heart attack.—AFP/File
Police claim Allah Rakha, a member of the Christian community who was taken into custody for purportedly selling narcotics, died of a heart attack.—AFP/File

LAHORE: A 35-year-old man in Lahore died Saturday morning after what his family claim to be alleged torture during interrogation at the Green Town police station.

The police, however, say that Allah Rakha – a member of the Christian community who was taken into custody on Friday for purportedly selling narcotics – died of a heart attack.

The incident came to the notice of senior police officials when family members protested by burning tyres in front of the police station, pelting stones and trying to forcibly enter the premises.

Taking notice, DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf ordered that an FIR be lodged against the investigation officer and three constables from the Green Town station.

“We have taken notice and have suspended four police personnel from Green Town station. Cases have also been registered against them, and we will conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter,” said DIG Ashraf.

Ashraf said that the body has been sent for post-mortem, and that facts will be ascertained after the medical report is released.

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