LAHORE: A young man reportedly drowned after he jumped into the BRB Canal when two policemen allegedly thrashed and tortured him in Batapur area here on Tuesday.

The incident came to the limelight when deceased’s sister filed a complaint about ‘cruel’ behaviour of the two constables.

She said her brother Fayyaz (27) was taking her to a market in search of some job for her when two policemen stopped them.

She said Fayyaz told the constables about him, his relation with her and the purpose of visiting the market.

She said the constables tried to take Fayyaz to the police station for “further inquiry” but he resisted saying that he could not leave his sister alone on the road.

As both sides exchanged arguments, the policemen allegedly thrashed her brother and he jumped into the canal to avoid torture and drowned.

According to a police official, there were reports that he lost his balance and fell into the canal. Many locals rushed to the spot, called Rescue 1122 for help but to no avail.

The young man was later recovered dead. The police official said that initial inquiry has found the constables responsible for the incident.

A case has been registered and departmental action launched against the policemen.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2021