SARGODHA: A station house officer (SHO) and two constables were booked after a motorcycle mechanic allegedly succumbed to torture in custody of Bhalwal police on Monday.

Azhar Iqbal, a motorcycle mechanic of Chak 2 of Bhalwal tehsil, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the sale of engines of stolen motorbikes a couple of days ago.

Family and relatives of the deceased staged a demonstration in Bhalwal, alleging he was subjected to severe torture in police custody and was shifted to hospital in a critical condition where he succumbed to his injuries.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Muhammad Akram Azhar took notice of the death by custodial torture and sought a report from District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Aziz. The RPO also ordered a legal action against the Bhalwal Saddar police officials concerned.

Later, a case was registered against Bhalwal Saddar police SHO and two constables on the complaint of Anwar, an uncle of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the DPO also suspended the SHO from service and met the bereaved family, assuring them of justice.

Millat Express: Millat Express running between Lala Musa and Karachi via Sargodha and Faisalabad is being restored from Oct 20.

The train operation was suspended due to floods. Now, preparations have been completed for its restoration.

Meanwhile, keeping in view the public convenience, the railways has transferred the quota of four coaches in Hazara Express from Multan to Sargodha so that passengers can travel from Sargodha to Multan and this will also increase the PR revenue.

Earlier, four additional coaches were attached with Hazara Express.

SMOG: Divisional Commissioner Maryam Khan reviewed on Monday anti-smog activities, the performance of the anti-dengue teams and the Central Punjab School Cricket Championship of the four districts.

The meeting was told that the anti-smog campaign has been accelerated across the division. Cases are being registered against violators, particularly brick kilns, for violation of SOPs.

She directed deputy Commissioners of the four districts to take strict action against brick kilns not using zigzag technology.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022