Balakot:
A traffic police officer apologized to a female passenger following an altercation over the issuance of a thin ticket and cross-sticking.
The dispute, which took place at Bararkot checkpoint, located between Gari Habibullah and Muzaffarabad, turned into an altercation when the police official allegedly slapped the woman for raising her voice during negotiations.
The woman also slapped the officer in return, leading to the public protest and blocking of the Muzaffarabad road.
According to reports, the police officer, stationed at Bararkot checkpoint, stopped a vehicle traveling from Muzaffarabad to Gari Habibullah (Balakot). He requested the vehicle documents and upon checking the documents were allegedly incomplete, issuing a ticket to the driver.
An argument ensued between the driver and the officer, during which a woman in the vehicle began screaming. In response, the officer allegedly slapped her. This sparked outrage among the public, who gathered in large numbers and blocked the road in Bararkot for six hours, demanding an apology from the police officer.
After the intervention of three SPs and a DSP, who held negotiations with the protesters, the officer apologized for his behavior. During the discussions, the woman also slapped the officer twice.
The matter was resolved amicably through a Jirga involving police officers, traffic police personnel and the victim’s family. The road was then reopened to traffic.
A video of the woman slapping the officer went viral on social media, leading to mixed reactions, with some sympathizing with the woman, while others supported the officer.
The incident also drew criticism from police officers at the scene, as social media users questioned why the official was allowed to be slapped in the presence of high-ranking officials.
In a statement, Manshera DPO Shafiullah Gundapur acknowledged the police officer’s inappropriate conduct, but also condemned the woman’s behavior. He expressed that some people had tried to exploit the situation to disrupt public order and create unrest.
He assured that immediate measures were taken to maintain law and order, with three SPs and one DSP deployed to prevent any escalation. DPO Gundapur said mistakes happen, but they will be addressed, and there will be no tolerance for divisive forces or those who seek to disrupt the peace.
He confirmed that a fact-finding committee had been established under the leadership of Hazara region to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served, considering all the evidence and facts.
