LAHORE: A large number of citizens, including women and children, staged a protest demonstration in front of the Lahore Press Club on Friday against the Johar Town police for “illegally” taking into custody three youths ten days ago.
The protesters were of the views that the police is demanding Rs 0.5 million as bribe for the release their beloved ones.
As per details, the residents of Sham Ka Bhattiya, Johar Town, gathered outside the LPC to protest against the police and blocked the main road after burning tyres. They said that the Johar Town police arrested their beloveds, namely Awais, Iftikhar and Sarwar, ten days ago without any reason. They claimed that when the family members contacted the concerned police station regarding the issue, the police demanded a hefty bribe for their release.
They also blamed that the police took Rs 0.2 million bribe from them but did not release the “apprehended” people till date. “Police is continuously threatening us for more money, otherwise they say that we will never see our beloveds,” said a relative of those in custody.
The protesters said that the police has shifted them to some unknown place and is simply denying any arrest. They requested the Punjab chief minister and other concerned officials to inquire about the issue and provide justice to them. They said that the life of their loved ones is in danger as the police had been killing many innocent citizens in fake encounters.
A massive traffic jam was observed on different roads of the city due to the protest. Catastrophe was seen at Davis Road, Egerton Road, Abbot Road, Queen Marry Road, Ghari Shahu, The Mall, Macleod Road, Railway Station and its surrounding areas.
Later, the police officers reached the spot and negotiated with the protestors. The police assured them to provide justice soon.