The husband of the victims has accused senior police officers of torture in the Lahore manhole tragedy case. He claims they pressured him to admit to a crime he did not commit.
The woman, Sadia, and her 10-month-old daughter, Rida Fatima, died after falling into an open manhole near Bhati Gate, Lahore, on Wednesday.
Speaking to Geo News, Ghulam Murtaza said Superintendent of Police Bilal and SHO Zain repeatedly forced him to confess that he had killed his wife.
“They kept telling me to say that I committed the murder,” Murtaza stated. He added that the police also detained his cousin, Tanveer, during questioning.
Murtaza denied any domestic dispute and said he had gone for a walk with his wife. He claimed he saw both falls and informed the police immediately.
He also alleged that the police confiscated his mobile phone and accused him of lying about the incident.
Following the tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the dismissal and arrest of four officials, including the project director, project manager, and safety in charge of the ongoing construction project.
Chairing an emergency meeting at Lahore airport, she held the contractor, supervisor, consultant, commissioner Lahore, deputy commissioner Lahore, assistant commissioner, LDA, and Wasa collectively responsible for the incident.
Maryam criticized attempts to confuse the public, stating that the victim’s husband was wrongly treated as a suspect instead of being supported. CCTV footage confirmed the incident, making false staging impossible.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the first information about the Bhati Gate incident was received from Rescue 1122. She confirmed that the husband was taken into police custody after the victim’s father contacted authorities.
Bukhari said the police may have suspected the husband’s involvement, but a 48-hour inquiry has been set to investigate the tragedy fully. Reports of improper police conduct toward the husband will also be reviewed.
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Authorities have assured that anyone found responsible will face action. The inquiry aims to clarify the events and ensure justice for the victims.
The Lahore manhole tragedy has sparked widespread concern over safety and police conduct. Officials have pledged to prevent such incidents in the future and uphold accountability.
