LAHORE, Nov 24: In a case of mistaken identity, the Naulakha police on Nov 11 took into custody one Babar Ali from Bhagatpura because he was the name-sake of a person who was involved in a criminal case.

But, later he proved to be the son of Mohammad Yusuf and the parentage of the man wanted by police was Mohammad Sharif. However, instead of apologizing with the family, the police demanded Rs30,000 from Yusuf for the release of his son.

The poor father could manage only Rs20,000 which the police refused to accept as a paltry amount. The incident surfaced when Yusuf moved the Lahore High Court and a bailiff found the youth in lock-up.

The petitioner submitted that the Naulakha police scaled the walls of his house and arrested him, Babar and Aqeel claiming that Babar was involved in a criminal case.

The petitioner stated that the police took away a motorcycle, a mobile phone and two licenced arms during the unlawful raid. They later released him and Aqeel and demanded money for the release of Babar.

The bailiff submitted a report to the court stating that he found Babar in the lock-up unconscious after torture on him. According to the bailiff, the police register (Roznamcha) showed the arrest of Babar Ali son of Mohammad Sharif.

The court released Babar on bail and ordered the registrar office for his medical examination. The court directed the office to submit a medical report for a possible action against the police officials responsible for the savage treatment of an innocent citizen.

SELF-FINANCE: The Lahore High Court adjourned till Nov 29 the hearing of a writ petition challenging the introduction of self-finance scheme for professional studies.