LAHORE: An investigation conducted by a committee appointed by the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) has concluded its probe into allegations of torture faced by Ghulam Murtaza, following the tragic Bhati Gate incident in Lahore, where his wife and nine-month-old daughter drowned after falling into an uncovered manhole.
The inquiry report identified negligence on the part of three police officials: the SP City, the SDPO, and the SHO concerned. It further revealed that Ghulam Murtaza was reportedly tortured inside the SHO’s retiring room, allegedly in the presence of the SP.
The three-member panel, led by AIG CIA Imran Mahmood and including DIGs Ahmed Nasir Aziz and Imran Kishore, thoroughly examined the scene and collected statements from eyewitnesses and family members of the deceased, Sadia and her daughter Rida. The committee has submitted its findings, with the IGP Punjab expected to decide on departmental and legal actions.
The investigation was launched amid claims that Murtaza was subjected to custodial torture after being detained in connection with the incident. The committee’s report highlights significant lapses in police duty and supervision, raising serious questions about custodial practices. Final decisions are pending review by the IGP.
Background of the Bhati Gate Tragedy
On January 28, 2026, a woman and her nine-month-old daughter tragically died after falling into an open sewer drain near Bhati Gate. The girl’s body was recovered nearly 17 hours later, about eight kilometers from the scene, while her mother’s body was recovered within six hours.
Initially, authorities dismissed the incident as fabricated, denying any occurrence despite persistent pleas from the victim’s family. The situation changed once the mother’s body was recovered. Following the denial, police detained Murtaza, who claimed that SHO Zain Abbas of Bhati Gate assaulted him inside the police station, coercing him to confess to the deaths.
Murtaza recounted that his family had visited Lahore Zoo, Badshahi Mosque, and Data Darbar before the tragedy occurred as they crossed a road near Bhati Gate. He stated that his wife and daughter fell into an open manhole while stepping into a rickshaw. He called Rescue 1122 immediately and raised an alarm. Murtaza added that the rickshaw belonged to his cousin, who was present at the scene, and that his other children were with him during the incident.
He further accused police officials of physically torturing him with belts and batons, attempting to force him into a false confession. During his detention, he claimed a senior officer showed him a photograph of his wife, which he recognized.
