LAHORE (Web Desk) – Twelve police officials, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sarwar Road Police Station, have been suspended and formally charged after an inquiry found that they allegedly carried out an unlawful raid on a house based on incorrect information and later registered a fabricated case, police officials said.
The action follows an internal inquiry into the incident, which concluded that the police operation was conducted without sufficient grounds and involved alleged misuse of official authority.
According to police officials, SHO Muhammad Irfan led the operation along with 11 other police personnel. The team reportedly raided a residential property after receiving information that was later found to be inaccurate.
During the inquiry, investigators determined that the raid had been conducted on the basis of false information. Authorities also alleged that a fabricated First Information Report (FIR) was registered after the operation in an attempt to justify the police action.
Following the inquiry, senior police authorities suspended all 12 officials from service pending further disciplinary and legal proceedings.
Police sources said a criminal case has now been registered against the suspended officers on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Mushtaq. The case includes allegations of abuse of authority, misuse of official powers and violations of legal procedures.
Officials confirmed that SHO Muhammad Irfan, the investigating officer involved in the operation and the remaining suspended personnel have also been charge-sheeted under relevant provisions of the Police Order, 2002.
The departmental action is being carried out alongside the criminal investigation to determine individual responsibility for the alleged misconduct.
Authorities have transferred the investigation to the Investigation Wing to ensure an independent review of the evidence and circumstances surrounding the raid.
Police officials said statements of witnesses, official records and other evidence will be examined before any final recommendations are submitted to senior authorities.
If the allegations are proven during the investigation, the officials could face departmental penalties as well as criminal proceedings under applicable laws.
The incident has drawn public attention after claims circulated on social media regarding the identity of the occupants of the raided house.
Several social media posts alleged that the property belonged to the brother of a senior government official and had mistakenly been targeted after being wrongly suspected of operating as a brothel.
However, police authorities have not confirmed those claims and have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation remains underway.
Officials said no official statement has been issued regarding the identity of the homeowner, and the inquiry is focused solely on determining whether proper legal procedures were followed by the police officers involved.
Punjab Police has repeatedly stated that accountability remains an essential part of policing and that any officer found violating the law or departmental rules will face disciplinary action.
Legal experts note that police officers are required to follow strict procedures before conducting searches or raids, including acting on verified information and complying with legal requirements designed to protect citizens’ rights.
The latest action reflects efforts by police authorities to strengthen internal accountability and maintain public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The Investigation Wing is expected to complete its inquiry after examining documentary evidence, witness statements and operational records before submitting its final report to the competent authorities.
Further legal and departmental action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the investigation, police officials said.
