WEBDESK: The District Police Officer (DPO) has suspended two police officers for releasing a video showing suspects arrested during a raid on a dance party near Pakki Havali village. The action comes after widespread public backlash regarding the video’s release and its impact on the arrested individuals.
On Friday night, police raided a farmhouse near Pakki Havali village after receiving a tip about an alleged dance party. During the operation, 55 individuals, including both men and women, were detained. The suspects were later charged with violating several laws, including the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order 1979 and the Punjab Prohibition of Sheesha Smoking Act 2014.
However, the case took a controversial turn when a video of the arrested individuals was released online. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage on social media. Critics pointed out that releasing such videos before any proven crime could ruin the lives of the arrested individuals, especially since the case was later dismissed by a local court.
In response to public pressure, the DPO suspended the investigation officer and Muharar (the police officer in charge of record-keeping) for their involvement in the video’s release. A press release from the police clarified that the video was not released in an official capacity, and stressed that the police force prioritises the self-respect of citizens, as per the established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The video, which showed the suspects faces, was heavily criticized for the potential harm it caused. Social media users questioned why such videos are only shared in cases involving individuals from lower-income backgrounds, while other serious criminals, like drug dealers or murderers, are often shown with their faces obscured.
After the case was dismissed, the arrested individuals, including the women, were released.
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