GHOTKI: A police constable in Ghotki, who reportedly tortured an aged Hindu man for selling edibles before Iftar, was arrested by police following a social media campaign calling for justice for the old man.
According to police, a cop named Ali Hassan – posted in Ghotki district's Hayat Pitafi town – was arrested on charges of torturing and injuring Gokal Das, an octogenarian.
SSP Ghotki Masood Bangash told Dawn that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered in Jarwar police station under Sections 337, 504 and 506/2 of the Pakistan Penal Code against the policeman for assaulting the senior citizen.
The complainant in the case is Vindod Kumar, grandson of victim Gokal Das.
The police officer said the unfortunate incident, which drew everyone's attention, took place on Friday.
As pictures of Das showing his torture marks went viral on social media, Inspector General Sindh A.D. Khawaja also took notice of the incident, ordering immediate action.
A number of rights activists, while talking to Dawn, lauded the IG's quick response and demanded an exemplary punishment for the accused cop.
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, sister of PPP co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto, also tweeted about the arrest of the policeman.
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Comments (117) Closed
Jun 11, 2016 11:36pm
Good move. Our govt shud ensure tht he gets punished and not get bail. Its high time ppl in this country start to realize the Ehtiram e Ramzan doesnot mean forcefully making others fast as well or forcing them not to eat. The should know tht non muslims also live here who should be allowed to eat whenever and whereever they want. If we cant do that then we have no right to cry for atrocracies against muslims in other countries.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:36pm
It's best time for introspection of blindness the religion who encourage you to beat brutally such a old non muslim men just for eating before evening.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:37pm
Punishing the culprit is not enough. The police should take Gokul Das to a hospital and foot the expenses for his treatment and be compensated properly looking into his old age and loss of income due to arm/hand injuries. Guidelines to deal with seniors be boldly pasted within police stations so that any senior wouldn't go through it again.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:37pm
Well done PAKISTAN
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Jun 11, 2016 11:40pm
Extremely sad incident how could this policeman do this to an old man. Shame on this policeman. He is a non Muslim and don't need to fast like Muslim, if he was eating something in public what was the problem, this policeman could have requested Chaacha Gokal Das to go inside his home & eat at the most. As an authentic Islamic rule even if an old Muslim man is found eating or drinking during fast time he should not be reminded of the fast until the old man himself remembers about the it. Poor Chaacha Gokal Das, the nation is really sorry for the injury & harassment he suffered.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:45pm
please say something guys,people gets beaten for eating rice.you guys talk about human rights.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:48pm
A ray of hope. God bless those who took up this cause. Well done.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:49pm
What is the use in fasting when you beat an old helpless man of your father's age? It's unfair to the animals if we compare such people to animals!
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Jun 11, 2016 11:50pm
"Good" is global problem. We kill Ikhlaq they kill Gokal.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:57pm
A shameful act. All Muslims should condemn this.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:58pm
Today I am chacha Ghokal.
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Jun 11, 2016 11:59pm
This is shameful and disturbing, that aged fellow should be treated as well by the government. Minorities adds to the diversity and color to any nation, and they should be respected more.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:07am
@atheist This religion does not encourage this kind of thing Mr Atheist jumping to conclusions. Going hungry is but a small part of fasting which includes taking extra care to be caring to others. The policeman acted out his animal instinct not his religion.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:11am
Pakistan police needs a major overhaul. "Sooner than later"
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Jun 12, 2016 12:13am
in human act by police. pity on oldman
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Jun 12, 2016 12:14am
Feels like we are just competing to point fingers at each other's..every issue need not be India vs Pakistan.. Sadly those who are victims if such instances don't even care for this competition.. It's only us ,the android weilding insensitive youth of both countries whk take pride when our neighbour has a fall..pathetic
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Jun 12, 2016 12:16am
It is disgusting to read He and that a POLICEMAN beat up an old man, regardless of his religion... He and other citizens should be protected by policeman . It is a shame.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:26am
Elder abuse is a sin in all religions and societies. And it happens too often everywhere.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:37am
@atheist This has nothing to do with religion. This is a case of cruel /barbaric act of an individual and is highly condemnable.
We radmit that LEAs are going out of their way and misuse their authority in performing their jobs. I would say this policeman should be terminated from the service with em mediate effect. Victim should be treated in the best possible way at the State Govrnment's expenses.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:41am
Saddened, let's be good human beings first
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Jun 12, 2016 12:43am
Reason to beat an octogenarian was eating. OMG
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Jun 12, 2016 12:43am
Really impressed by the way people in Pakistan have reacted..Humanity is the core of any religion..
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Jun 12, 2016 12:43am
Shame Shame
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Jun 12, 2016 12:49am
I hate such policemen
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Jun 12, 2016 12:50am
Cop went crazy . ... Throw the book at him this is not Saudia...
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Jun 12, 2016 12:51am
He is a human first of all and we should be too
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Jun 12, 2016 12:56am
Highly condemnable act. Police Department should take severe action against this individual by dismissing him from the service. Also, it is the responsibility of the same department to have the victim treated
at Government expenses.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:56am
I really admire the quick action of the civilians and the police to protect a poor old man. It shows we are all human beings children of the same God.
Every Indian should notice this.
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Jun 12, 2016 01:01am
I am so happy with Pak Police for arresting this scoundrel policeman. Here in India i fast while all my Hindu and other friends eat and it is their right. I eat when they fast during Shravan. This is respect for others. I respect Pak Police for this action - Uzma
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Jun 12, 2016 01:11am
Why the news says a Hindu man? It should rather say an elderly man instead...
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Jun 12, 2016 01:29am
This is great. Pakistani people if given information are quick to respond in favour of humanity. Unfortunately such events mostly occur in remote areas and not get media coverage. Thank you Pakistaniyo! Faith restored in you all! Pakistan Zindabad!
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Jun 12, 2016 01:40am
I appreciate the efforts through social media
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Jun 12, 2016 02:13am
A good move by the authorities but it should not be left to people to highlight these atrocities on social media in order to get justice. There must be a proper complaint and investigative procedure for the masses irrespective of their religious beliefs.
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Jun 12, 2016 02:23am
Power of social media
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Jun 12, 2016 02:54am
So many atrocities are committed against Pak minorities. Dawn, truly appreciate for publishing this. anyways, social media is already viral.
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Jun 12, 2016 02:55am
Good work by authorities. Please set him as an example so no one can dare do such thing , specially to our minorities .
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Jun 12, 2016 03:23am
Very bad act of policeman , he should have take Gokal Das age into consideration and there was no question to beat such a senior citizen.Anyways the law has taken it's course and Ali Hasan will be awarded appropriate punishment for his act.
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Jun 12, 2016 03:45am
Nice to see Pakistanis Taking up the cause of the minorities!
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Jun 12, 2016 04:49am
This man has not any attitude to respect and help public - the same public that pay his salary. This man should not be part of police force. It has given bad name to police department. He must go for jail for some years and his service should be terminated from police immediately. Police department should pay for Gokal Das's treatment. Gokal Das, his family should not accept policeman's apology. In this way other people like him in police department will get lesson and try to avoid this kind of adventure.
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Jun 12, 2016 05:19am
It took social media to prod the government to take action against the rowdy policeman. Imagine what would have happened to this victim if there was no social media.
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Jun 12, 2016 06:51am
While such unfortunate and shameful incidents are on the rise I am happy to see the Pakistani media condemn the incident. Hope there is peace and justice.
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Jun 12, 2016 07:25am
@Abdulla Hussain why the old guy is supposed to hide and eat? Even if he is Muslim, why force or remind him, let everyone follow their interpretation of religion or any religion, if it doesn't harm any other human being. Islam does teach to enforce religion on others, it is religion of peace.
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Jun 12, 2016 07:49am
Good job and thanks Pakistan for arresting this guy.
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Jun 12, 2016 07:58am
Though the general attitude of Muslims given such a strength to the Cop to beat a old man, the support for justice is laudable. Thank you Pakistan bros & sisters... Such reaction could will certainly help to improve peace in the world..
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Jun 12, 2016 07:59am
Kudos to people in the social media & DAWN for highlighting this issue.
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Jun 12, 2016 08:08am
This is precisely the kind of publicity that Pakistan should avoid. These pictures circulated in the US Congress and World Parliaments confirm the belief that Pakistan is an intolerant Islamic society that persecute their minority population.
This issue must be dealt with at the grassroot level and perpetrators such as that Police Constable should be severely punished. Ramzan or no Ramzan, the Cop exhibited police brutality.
The People of Pakistan Apologise for this sheet act of Cruelty Chacha Gokal Das. The Country is watching you Inspector General A.D. Khawaja. Please ensure that this Constable gets severely punished and let it be a lesson to Police in other Provinces.
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Jun 12, 2016 08:17am
Thank you Sir AD Khawaja.
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Jun 12, 2016 08:55am
This is why Minorities are heading towards their motherland across the eastern border. Any takers
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Jun 12, 2016 09:05am
Who is anyone to stop someone from eatting if he is hungry, let alone an old man.
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Jun 12, 2016 09:16am
we are sorry for gokal das, he is our pakistani national and he is our old man the police man MUST not have done this, police man must server 10 yrs jail. we request all pakistani that please respect the old men women no matter what cast sect they are, they are our pakistani and we are proud of them.
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Jun 12, 2016 09:44am
He and family can come to India.... they are our brothers...
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Jun 12, 2016 10:14am
No tolerance for such people in any country . Bravo ... Pakistani state .
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Jun 12, 2016 10:15am
There are good and bad people everywhere whether it is India or Pakistan. what we just need to ensure that the secularism should be deep rooted to our culture and societies so that the voices of different communities should be heard.
It's an appreciable job done by the people of Pakistan.
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Jun 12, 2016 11:05am
Mr. Gokal Das is welcome to move to India like the thousands who have moved from Pakistan to India in the past few years.
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Jun 12, 2016 11:06am
I'm ashamed at the this police officer. Pakistani hindus are our brothers so are other minorities in Pakistan. Punish this police officer in a way nobody does this again.
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Jun 12, 2016 11:22am
Whatever happened, was unfortunate, but has happened now. Much publicised and the million dollar question is, will the social media will highlight the punishment this constable has received? I am sure, the news will feature for a long time in social media with people to comment and like.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:18pm
@Saulat Haider, In addition to jail sentence he should be given compulsory social service to bring about a change in his attitude.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:22pm
Why does he need to fast? he doesn't need to maintain it either. it's only for Muslims.
why are we following fanatics. Look at where Pakistan is today. Everyone hates,
Moulvis threatening women on live show.
He should put behind bar until he goes to grave.
Our future is dark and We will be the most hated country very soon. Our kids and grandkids will face the toughest time. Note my Words
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Jun 12, 2016 12:24pm
Good to know people of Pakistan condemn it. Keep religion aside
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Jun 12, 2016 12:32pm
This is an act of an ignorant Policeman, he must be punished for it. And yes, the State should bear all the medical and other expenses of Chacha Gokal Das.
We are all ashamed at the behaviour of this Policeman.
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Jun 12, 2016 12:46pm
@Razi Why they say a muslim man when same happens in India?
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Jun 12, 2016 01:05pm
Good work dawn news that they given coverage to this news. Also on social media people of Pakistan raising their voice against this intolerance. This will give relief and confidence to other communities that their concerns are considered. This will sent good message to international forum.
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Jun 12, 2016 01:24pm
When one takes religion more seriously than a fellow human.
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Jun 12, 2016 01:43pm
What kind of faith is it if it provokes you to torture a 70 years old handicapped man for eating rice? His religion is immaterial, he is a human first.
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Jun 12, 2016 01:45pm
Beating an old man till he bleeds, what type of Police we are training and letting loose on society, leave alone protecting us.
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Jun 12, 2016 01:47pm
Unacceptable. Words cannot explain that type of behaviour or mindset, makes one ashamed
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Jun 12, 2016 01:50pm
Respect !! Dawn
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Jun 12, 2016 01:51pm
@MSR
Common man is too much deprived in the remoting areas of province across the board, so it may be overhauled for the speedy justice...
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Jun 12, 2016 02:19pm
Respecting Ramdan. .......and insulting Elders.......insulting Humans............ Is this our profet SAW Taught us......
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Jun 12, 2016 02:22pm
Could not control my emotion by looking at this old man and how he was tortured by this policeman, i am happy he is in jail and should remain in jail for the rest of the month. these are the type of people who makes us ashamed of being muslims.
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Jun 12, 2016 02:51pm
Very glad to note nobody is justifying this cruel act on the lines of religion.
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Jun 12, 2016 02:56pm
Beating the elderly? No matter what the offense. Just arrest instead of taking law in your own hand.
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Jun 12, 2016 09:22pm
This is such an awful moment for us...no one has the right to treated them like this...
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Jun 13, 2016 12:44am
@FAIRTALK - why this isnt about religion... the police man belongs to a particular community which believes in forcing other non community people to adhere to their practises and religion... even when it involves a simple act of eating, they dont want it if they are not eating.. everything to do with religion... get your act straight, and keep the religion where it belongs... or else, there is no way humanity will go down in drain in your country...
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Jun 13, 2016 09:07am
So typical of the "Islamic Republic of Pakistan". Amazingly in Pakistan it is the state and its machinery which tortures Hindus and other minorities.
Its a pity these Hindus have continued to live in a fundamentalist and intolerant place like this. They should leave it before its too late.
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Jun 13, 2016 09:13am
Appreciate Dawn for ever high reporting standards. I hope this poor old man is given medical attention by the state.
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Jun 13, 2016 09:17am
It is nothing to do with religion it depend on person how he interpret.
Myself with other Indian were in Iran for industrial plant commission during Ramadan.
Irani people were taking our Care they arranged break fast / lunch etc through out Ramadan for us - it was 20 year back but still we remember their hospitality
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Jun 13, 2016 09:33am
Good Move .....and its seem there good peoples are in Pakistan...as well good initiative taken by #Pakistani Media Dawn... Thanks you all ...........
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Jun 13, 2016 09:45am
Why call him a 'Hindu man'? A man is a man and an equal citizen of the country.If a Muslim was a victim would you have called him a Muslim man' ?.
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Jun 13, 2016 09:53am
I am travelling in the US and at the hotel the breakfast is being set up daily by a kind lady in a hijab, and that is till 10 in the morning. I didn't ask her if she fasts, maybe she does and then her prayers are twice as powerful because she is able to control her hunger despite having food all around her.
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Jun 13, 2016 10:20am
This shows how intolerant we Pakistanis are. Time for deep introspection
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Jun 13, 2016 10:32am
Pakistan is a tolerant country. though the minority is vanishing but Pakistan is a human right champion.
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Jun 13, 2016 10:48am
If he was selling edibles before Iftar, then he committed no crime. Even if he was sitting quietly in a corner of a street and drinking tea, still he has not committed any crime .
It is Our intolerant nature that has led to this insanity prompted by the religious community and tribal laws. Salams
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Jun 13, 2016 10:58am
@Abdulla Hussain anyway If he Muslim than he is not allowed to eat during Ramdan ?
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Jun 13, 2016 11:00am
@Nitesh: Being an Indian, surely do not agree. This is an isolated incident and should be treated as such. The authorities were quick enough to put the guilty behind bars and Pakistanis across all sections have condemned the incident. What more do you want?
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Jun 13, 2016 11:21am
Rule of Law should prevail at all times. Call for justice for this man from minority by Pakistan society is admirable.
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Jun 13, 2016 11:27am
this is sad. the man is old. How could he hit him. i am a Pakistani muslim. Godbless all the hindus living in Pakistan. I feel sorry. hopefully no such incidents happen.
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Jun 13, 2016 11:31am
Long live zia for enacting such narrow traditions in our society before burning in hell.I wonder his legacy has anything else besides filth.
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Jun 13, 2016 11:31am
A stray incident should not be given a communal tint, more so when the government has acted swiftly to contain the damage and bring the culprit to justice.Only a sick man can beat an old man brutally, reason immaterial.
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Jun 13, 2016 11:36am
We can consider it a good step. There are some government official who freely eats drink water during fasting government should go after them too.
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Jun 13, 2016 11:55am
Good action by pak police....Every 1 have their own rite ..u can not force any 1 to have fast
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Jun 13, 2016 12:05pm
The arrest of policeman is symbolic and to keep right-activists silent for sometime. This police man will walk free in no time and will be a celebrity with Islamist forces for his "great deed" of beating "non-muslim" old man.The prosecution of minorities will continue unabated as usual.
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Jun 13, 2016 12:17pm
Deplorable. I think victim is a senior citizen first, his religion comes later. From the news it does not appear that assaulting cop checked victim's religion & then went ahead with assault.
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Jun 13, 2016 12:44pm
@Jawad I think both India and Pakistan need right thinking and logical people like you, I am a Hindu and I Would sincerely request people like you to raise your voice when such crimes are committed .
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Jun 13, 2016 12:48pm
@MSR great one...no descrimination when crimes against humanity comes...
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Jun 13, 2016 01:30pm
Such arrests shouldn't happen after a social media uproar. It should happen by default by the works of system. If system is not appropriately designed then there would be many such incidents which will go unaddressed and only those which get captured on social media get addressed and that too only partially, only while the social media tide is high on the issue and then there is no follow up.
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Jun 13, 2016 01:30pm
This police man should face justice and dismissed from service for his cruel act. I was very upset after I came to know about this brutality in Facebook now I am a little satisfied .
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Jun 13, 2016 01:54pm
@Razi Its to highlight the mistreatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. Only Muslims need to fast in Ramadan if they wish to do so, non-Muslims do not have to fast.
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Jun 13, 2016 02:45pm
It is very sad and unbearable incidence for all of us. The culprit behind the whole scenario must be punished so other people must avoid to do any wrong with old person of other religion as well.
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Jun 13, 2016 03:07pm
After reading all the 97 comments I felt there is still some hope for the sub continent; silver lining behind dark cloud. Thank you DAWN.
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Jun 13, 2016 03:46pm
The police are civil servants, and they have to understand what that means. They are to serve the public, and are not to give out punishment, no matter what the crime is.
There should be ZERO tolerance against any public employe, who gives out his punishment. The police are to with up hold the law, and not break it.
Make a example of this policeman.
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Jun 13, 2016 04:04pm
This misguided policeman has broken the penal code of Pakistan, the moral, ethical and spiritual fabric of our society.
This type of atrocity against an old man (irrespective of his religion) is doubly reprehensible.
He should be dismissed from service as he has given a bad name to the police force, to the country and to the society against all norms of law, justice and fairness.
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Jun 13, 2016 05:26pm
It should have been a matter of extreme shame for the chief of police and the Chief Minister in any other civilised society. They would have taken RESPONSIBILITY and resigned. In our country they only take NOTICE (Shahinshah style).
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Jun 13, 2016 06:06pm
@krishna I totally agree with you.
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Jun 13, 2016 06:46pm
Glad to see people reaction on this incident but how many other go unnoticed.
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Jun 13, 2016 06:58pm
God...my heart goes out for him.Happy that Pak civil society responded better than mine.
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Jun 13, 2016 07:23pm
If policemen have this attitude towards minorities, what better can one expect of ordinary citizens?
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Jun 13, 2016 07:29pm
Gokuldas is a 90 year old man and the policeman snatched away his walking stick and brutally beat him up. This is the kind of hatred this policeman has shown against a person probably his grandfathers age. I must add here that local Indian news show that the political ruling party have announced compensation of PKR 50,000 to Gokuldas. Yes the policeman needs to be punished but this is the kind of hatred that we see on both sides of the border by few who try to radicalise the society and then the media on either sides is quick to exploit these sentiments to increase the TRP ratings or viewership ratings.
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Jun 13, 2016 07:29pm
As an Indian I appreciate the authorities for arresting policemen, this sends a right message that you can not get away, it is very unfortunate that these things do happen one should have considered his age very sad indeed
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Jun 13, 2016 09:29pm
Regardless of religion, beating up by the policeman is like being the Judge and the executer. The Pakistani police must stop this tendency.
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Jun 13, 2016 09:36pm
@Abdulla Hussain
Muslims or non Muslims.no one should be able to tell them to eat drink or not to eat or drink.
Fasting is a very personal affairs.who is anyone yp force me to fast.
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Jun 13, 2016 11:16pm
Does every Muslim in Pak should fast during Ramadan? no exceptions ?
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Jun 13, 2016 11:58pm
Indian muslims are the best in the world. They fast while we eat during days of Ramzan. No issues for them at all. Never before nor today.
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Jun 14, 2016 12:48am
@Razi Yes I agree may be it is the great islamic Republic of Pakistan
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Jun 14, 2016 08:02am
Guy in our office's subway eatery is a Muslim and he sells subs all day long.
Thank God people in India understand
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Jun 14, 2016 08:04am
@Abdulla Hussain I am a Muslim, but don't fast. It is my choice. You cannot pass statements like judgments. Everyone have his interpretations of religion and you cannot force anyone to follow yours. This is the main reason why we are getting bad name across world. People are forcing their version of Islam on others which in most cases is sewed and spreading hate instead of love. We are actually promoting terrorism by forcing others to follow our ways. It should not be like "My Way or Highway"
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Jun 14, 2016 06:50pm
@Uzma AhmedI am so happy with Pak Police for arresting this scoundrel policeman. Here in India i fast while all my Hindu and other friends eat and it is their right. I eat when they fast during Shravan. This is respect for others. I respect Pak Police for this action - Uzma
Well said Uzma.My heart felt respect.
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