A police sub-inspector in Bahawalpur has been suspended and arrested after a video showing him slapping a citizen went viral on social media, triggering public anger. Officials said Sub-Inspector Awais Arshad, of Police Chowki Lari Adda, was removed from service and served with a departmental charge sheet.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in a statement posted on X that the incident reportedly happened while the officer was checking a hotel for verification purposes. She said criminal and departmental proceedings were started immediately, and that an FIR was registered against him before his arrest.
Officer faces FIR, suspension and disciplinary charges
According to the chief minister, the authorities have taken three main steps against the officer:
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- An FIR was registered against him, and he was arrested.
- He was suspended from service.
- A departmental charge sheet was issued to start disciplinary proceedings.
Maryam Nawaz said the government was ensuring strict accountability to stop authority from being misused and to protect citizens’ dignity and rights.
Citizen alleges bribe demand and violence during hotel visit
The district police spokesperson said the incident took place two days earlier, when a married couple from another city was staying at a private hotel. The affected citizen alleged that the sub-inspector demanded a bribe and used violence against him during questioning.
The footage showing the officer striking the citizen spread quickly online, drawing criticism and calls for action against the policeman. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the proceedings against the officer are ongoing.
Separate FIR accuses Lahore CCD official of assault
In a separate case, a Crime Control Department (CCD) police official was booked after a girl accused him of sexually assaulting her and recording an obscene video, according to the FIR. The case was registered against CCD official Muhammad Shabbir at Kahna police station on the complaint of the girl.
The FIR states that the girl, a resident of Kot Lakhpat, went to Kahna Bazaar on October 1, when her mobile phone went missing from her purse. She approached Kahna police station about the phone and met Shabbir there. The complainant said he took her mobile number and later contacted her.
