Man dies after alleged police assault at Taxila check post; probe ordered

A 30-year-old man died at the Gangu Police Check Post in Taxila, and Rawalpindi police said on Saturday that they had started legal proceedings. His family and local residents allege that police personnel severely beat him during a vehicle search.

According to The Express Tribune, the man was travelling from Khanpur towards Taxila when police stopped him at the checkpost to search his vehicle. Residents and his family alleged that officers assaulted him badly during the search.

The family claimed that he repeatedly pleaded with the officers to stop hitting him with batons. They said he died at the scene as a result of the alleged torture. The police have not confirmed these allegations, and the cause of death has not been given in the reports.

News of the death led to protests. Residents blocked the Taxila-Khanpur Road and surrounded police personnel. Senior police officials reached the scene after the blockade began. Eyewitnesses said some protesters assaulted police officers, and one policeman was seriously injured. A police spokesperson said the road was later reopened to traffic.

Inspector Sajjadul Hassan, the Rawalpindi police spokesperson, said: "Legal proceedings are underway, and the matter would be investigated on merit to apprehend those found guilty of homicide". The spokesperson also said a fair investigation would be held and those responsible would be held accountable.

Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik expressed deep grief over the death of Akmal Khan, who allegedly died after police violence in Taxila. He directed the City Police Officer of Rawalpindi to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation.

The Express Tribune also listed earlier complaints in the Rawalpindi area. In August, a constable was suspended and given a charge sheet after a video showed alleged mistreatment of a citizen at Gujjar Khan Police Station. In April, three students accused plainclothes police of assaulting them at the Dahgal checkpoint on Adiala Road. In February, three police officials were suspended and an inquiry begun over the alleged torture of a 12-year-old boy at Rawat Police Station.