LAHORE: The road rage incident took place at the Beijing Underpass at Dharampura on Thursday took a surprise turn when it transpired that the guards of a private security company who fired shot on a young car rider were escorting PML-N MPA Emmanuel Athar Julius and his guests coming from the United Kingdom (UK).
According to the police inquiries, the PML-N MPA, who was allotted a reserved seat for the minorities, and the delegation of the pastors from the UK were escorted by more than a dozen private armed guards in double-cabin vehicles and SUVs when one of the guards manhandled the young man, Imran, and fired shots on him.
The police claimed to have arrested six security guards, seized their weapons and cars and lodged a case against them under attempt of murder and other charges.
Meanwhile, the Punjab home department has initiated proceedings for the suspension of the registration licence of the security company.
Issuing a show-cause notice, the home department referred to the incident of resorting to fire on Imran’s car at the Beijing Underpass near Dharampura, stating that the company had blatantly violated the policy by hiring the guards who were ‘not a fit and proper person’.
It has sought explanation from the company within 30 days as to why it had hired a ‘missfit’ person as guard who risked the life of the citizen by firing at him.
The home department warned that it may start ex-parte proceedings if the company failed to submit a reasonable explanation.
On the other hand, a police official said that the PML-N MPA and his guests from the UK had got stuck in the traffic jam at the underpass. He said the armed guards, who were deputed for the security of the MPA and his guests, allegedly took the law into their hands, yelling at the young car rider for not giving them passage to overtake.
The official said the car rider took a plea of bumper to bumper traffic congestion at the heavily occupied underpass but the security guards turned aggressive, abused him and then jumped out of their double-cabin to attack him.
According to the video clip, one of the armed security guards took an aim of his gun and fired a shot straight at the car rider, putting his life at grave stake.
However, the young man escaped unhurt as he got out of his car and overpowered one of the guards.
The other security guards rushed to him, physically thrashed him, rescued their fellow and fled.
The police official declared that the security guards violated the laws by firing on the car rider and thrashing him on the road.
To a question, he claimed that the MPA and his guests had nothing to do with the incident as they had already left the venue, leaving the security men stuck in the traffic. He said that the police high-ups had recommended to the home department to initiate action against the security company for violating the rules and regulations in the wake of the incident.
Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2025
