LAHORE: Two police officials were arrested on murder charges, soon after a man was found hanged from a ceiling fan at the Industrial Area police Chowki (post) in Kahna here on Thursday, while the entire staff of the police post was suspended from service.

The action was initiated in the light of findings of a preliminary inquiry which held the policemen guilty of criminal negligence.

According to the initial police reports, the deceased, later identified as Iftikhar (50), was taken into custody by the Industrial Area police Chowki in charge Sub Inspector (SI) Ishaq when he went to Sadhoki village, allegedly to meet a girl.

The girl’s family had told the police that Iftikhar was armed with a pistol and he shot at her brother with an intention to kill, but he luckily escaped unhurt.

Iftikhar was taken into custody and shifted to the police post. On being informed, the family members of the suspect also reached there.

Meanwhile, the girl’s relatives also gathered at the police post, demanding registration of a case against the suspect.

Lahore Operations DIG Faisal Kamran says the Chowki in charge showed negligence and went to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), leaving the suspect at the mercy of lower staff, instead of moving him to the police station.

In his absence, the DIG says, the suspect allegedly hanged himself from a ceiling fan at the police post. The family of the deceased wanted registration of a murder case against the policemen concerned.

The DIG says that he directed the SSP Operations to visit the crime scene and personally supervise the investigation.

In the light of the inquiry conducted by the SSP, the DIG ordered the arrest of Chowki in charge and the Muharrar, holding them primarily responsible for criminal negligence.

Mr Kamran says an FIR has been lodged against both policemen on murder charges, while the entire staff of the Chowki has been suspended from service.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2026