By Our Correspondent
LAHORE — A high-level inquiry by Punjab Police has found senior city officers negligent in the handling of the Bhatti Gate manhole tragedy, a case that has sparked widespread concern over public safety and police accountability.
Read also: Lahore manhole tragedy sparks calls for accountability over alleged police abuse and civic lapses
The three-member committee, formed by Inspector General of Police Punjab, examined the police response after a woman and her child fell into an open manhole and the husband was allegedly detained and mistreated while reporting the incident.
According to police sources, the committee was led by Additional IG IAB Imran Mahmood and included DIG Ahmad Nasser, DIG Aziz Warak and DIG Imran Kishwar. The officers visited the scene, reviewed physical evidence and recorded statements from eyewitnesses and the victims’ family.
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The inquiry concluded that the SP City, SDPO and SHO were negligent in their duties. Sources said the committee found that the husband was subjected to physical mistreatment in the SHO’s retiring room while the SP was present, a finding that has intensified calls from civil society for disciplinary action.
The committee has forwarded its recommendations to the Inspector General of Punjab, who will make the final decision on any departmental proceedings or penalties.
Public safety advocates say the case highlights deeper institutional challenges, including the need for stricter oversight of police conduct and improved coordination between law enforcement and civic agencies to prevent infrastructure hazards such as open manholes.
Legal experts stress that the outcome of this inquiry will be closely watched as a test of transparency and accountability in Punjab’s policing system, particularly in cases involving vulnerable citizens and alleged abuse of authority.
