LAHORE – The tragic Bhati Gate incident, where a mother and daughter lost their lives after falling into an open sewage line, has taken a controversial turn. Relatives of the victims now allege that police officials forcibly obtained thumbprints and signatures from the complainant, Sajid Hussain, on blank sheets of paper.
A video has surfaced showing Sajid Hussain, the father of the deceased woman, shortly after he was allegedly coerced into providing his thumbprint at the police station.
Allegations of a Cover-Up
The grieving family claims that this move is a deliberate attempt by law enforcement to provide legal “relief” to the officials currently suspended or arrested in connection with the negligence.
“Police officers took the thumbprints on blank paper by force,” a family spokesperson stated. “This is clearly being done to protect those responsible for the deaths of a mother and her child.”
A History of Denial
The case has been marred by administrative pushback since it first reported:
Initial Denial: When news of the fall first broke, district administration dismissed the report as “fake news.”
Technical Claims: Officials initially argued that it was “technically impossible” for a human to fall into and drown in that specific manhole.
Character Assassination: Police initially attempted to frame the incident as a domestic dispute, casting suspicion on the victim’s husband and leveling serious allegations against the couple’s relationship.
Contradictory Statements: While three individuals, including the husband, were reportedly detained on suspicion, the police later denied making any arrests.
Government Action vs. Ground Reality
Following public outcry, the Chief Minister of Punjab took notice of the negligence, ordering the immediate arrest of the Project Director, Manager, and Consultant responsible for the site.
However, the family’s latest allegations suggest that despite high-level intervention, “traditional tactics” are being used at the local level to suppress the case and shield the influential figures involved in the fatal oversight.