DADU: A large number of people staged a demonstration on railway tracks in Murad Colony on Thursday in protest against what they described as violent abduction of an ailing young man by police and a retired SSP.

The protesters led by Karam Allah Panhwar, Shah Nawaz Panhwar, Rasheed Laghari and others demanded justice for Saleem Panhwar, a young man with a serious illness, who was allegedly violently snatched from his shop.

They accused police of victimising Panhwar, who suffered from hepatitis and heart diseases, at the instigation of a local landlord- politician. Police subjected Panhwar to severe torture and then moved him to an undisclosed location, they said.

They criticised police for their apparent indifference and lack of accountability and said that all their attempts to file a report at the police station were frustrated. Fifteen police officials took away Panhwar without any charge or clear documentation, they said.

They demanded immediate release of the young man and initiation of investigation into the police brutality.

They warned of more protests if justice was not served to the victim immediately and said if Panhwar was not released, they would expand their protest. Panhwar’s young son was also among the protesters and he was seen grieving and pleading for his father’s return.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2024