LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday sought a report from the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) on the incident in which police officials shaved heads of alleged kite flyers and posted their videos online.

During the proceedings, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran appeared before the court and admitted the mistake, calling it a serious lapse.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa was hearing a petition filed by Vishal Shakir advocate against the release of videos of the suspects in police custody.

The video showing the suspects with shaved heads was also played in the courtroom.

Likens DIG’s social media page to a TikToker’s

The judge expressed displeasure at the police act of shaving heads of the suspects and ordered the police to circulate a message across Punjab that if such an incident occurred again, the DPO concerned would be held responsible.

Justice Bajwa asked, “DIG Sahib, what exactly are police doing?”

DIG Kamran admitted that it was a grave mistake and assured the court that such an error would not be repeated. He stated that from now on, any material to be uploaded would require an approval from the SP concerned.

The judge acknowledged the police for arresting individuals involved in aerial firing and kite flying but stated that such acts of public humiliation would not be tolerated.

Justice Bajwa further warned that if anyone was humiliated in the future, it would be officially recorded in the service book of the police officer concerned.

The judge remarked that the social media page of the DIG office appeared more like a TikToker’s page than an official account.

The judge adjourned the hearing and directed the IGP to submit a detailed report on the matter.

KASUR VIDEO: The LHC ordered the Kasur police to issue a public apology for making and uploading video of the arrested women and men on social media.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa issued the order during the hearing of a contempt of court petition, making it clear that the court’s objective was not to allow a free hand for dance parties but that police must carry out lawful action against such events without violating individual rights.

The judge granted time to the dismissed investigating officer Sadiq and constable Nadeem to engage legal counsel to defend contempt proceedings against them.

During the proceedings, the judge asked about the voice of a policeman in the video ordering a woman to ‘remove the hair’.

The investigating officer said that it was not him.

The judge did not believe the dismissed IO and reprimanded him, observing that it could easily be determined who recorded and circulated the footage.

However, SP Investigation Kasur Umar Farooq said the investigating officer recorded the video on his personal mobile while the constable was responsible for uploading it.

The judge also came hard on the SP as he failed to furnish a satisfactory explanation regarding the treatment of the detainees.

Justice Bajwa asserted that until the court declares someone guilty, the police have no authority to publicly circulate videos of individuals in custody.

The judge adjourned the hearing, allowing the policemen time to engage lawyers for themselves.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025