RAWALPINDI:
A man allegedly set himself alight following claims of police torture and misconduct in the Hamidan police post of Airport Police Station on Wednesday.
According to reports, Muhammad Amir, a resident of Tarnol, contacted the police emergency helpline 15, stating that his 45-year-old brother, Amjad Mahmood, a property dealer, had been taken to the Hamidan police post by Sub-Inspector Naeem Ahmed without any explanation. He alleged that his brother was subjected to physical abuse by police personnel.
It is claimed that during the incident, Amjad Mahmood allegedly siphoned petrol from a motorcycle, poured it over himself and set himself on fire. He sustained severe burns. The family alleges that unidentified police officers later left him at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and departed.
Separately, a report has been registered at the same police post by SI Nabeel, naming the complainant and including private individuals as witnesses. The police version states that Head Constable Adeel Akbar informed them via a call that a man identified as Amjad Khan had set himself on fire in Faisal Town and had been rescued with the assistance of private individuals.
According to the report, police had summoned Amjad Khan for questioning regarding allegations that he had attempted to sell a vehicle using incomplete documentation.
The statement claims that he stepped outside during questioning, after which shouting was heard and he was found to have set himself ablaze by pouring petrol over himself.
The victim’s face, neck and hands were reportedly affected. He was subsequently extinguished and shifted to a hospital. The report maintains that Amjad attempted self-immolation of his own accord and that the Station House Officer (SHO) Airport was informed.
Repeated attempts by The Express Tribune to contact Airport SHO Ibrahim Baloch went unanswered.
A police spokesperson said that on the instructions of Rawalpindi City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani, Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Tariq Mehmood Malik and DSP Cantt immediately reached the scene and an inquiry is underway.
The spokesperson further said that the incident stemmed from a complaint lodged by the man’s former wife, alleging that Amjad Khan had fraudulently sold her water tanker.
Police had summoned both parties in accordance with procedure. During the process, the man reportedly attempted to set himself on fire. Police, the spokesperson added, intervened promptly to prevent the act and shifted him to the hospital for medical treatment.
The Rawalpindi Police, the spokesperson maintained, are committed to merit and transparency, and any negligence or abuse of authority identified during the inquiry will be dealt with through strict internal accountability.
