SARGODHA:A worker of the Suthra Punjab programme was allegedly beaten by members of an influential family after he refused to remove debris from inside their residence.

In response, the Clean Punjab Programme team of Bhagtanwala, along with affiliated union councils, staged a protest at the Bhagtanwala Press Club.

The protesters warned that they would suspend sanitation work in streets and markets until the suspects involved in the assault are arrested. They said that without adequate protection, it would be impossible for them to continue working under such conditions.

According to sources, the sanitation worker, identified as Javed, was performing routine garbage collection when a man, Naveed of Medina Colony, allegedly confronted and verbally abused him. The assailant claimed that the worker had refused to collect waste from inside his house. However, Javed denied the allegation, stating that he was abused and assaulted without any valid reason.

Javed further said that shortly afterwards, Naveed returned with five unidentified accomplices and attacked him when he refused to comply with their demands and attempted to continue his official duties.

An eyewitness, who is also an employee of the Suthra Punjab programme, confirmed that the worker was severely beaten with sticks.

ACCIDENT: A 37-year-old woman died on the spot, while two others, including a seven-year-old child, were seriously injured when a speeding dumper hit a rickshaw near Sial Mor Chowk on Sargodha-Lahore Road.

Reports said the deceased was identified as Safia Bibi. The injured include Ali Faisal (7) and a 40-year-old woman. Rescue teams shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

Police reached the scene and launched an investigation into the incident.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2026