Defenders allege criminal negligence after two women died in Lahore manhole, call for judicial investigation
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking registration of a criminal case against Punjab Information Minister Azam Bukhari, Deputy Commissioner of Lahore and other officials for allegedly spreading false information regarding the death of a mother and her daughter who fell into an open drain hole near Bhati Gate.
The petition highlights that more than 10,000 manhole covers are stolen every year in Lahore, but effective preventive measures remain absent. He argued that the police’s registration of an FIR under Section 322 is inadequate, as the deaths were not accidental but the result of alleged criminal negligence. The petitioner claimed the government’s response was largely symbolic and failed to hold those responsible accountable.
The petition demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident, take strict action against the negligent officials, ascertain the facts of the case and determine appropriate compensation for the family.
Read: Woman and child die after falling into manhole in Lahore
The petition also alleged that police officers and government officials harassed the bereaved family following the incident.
The petition was filed by lawyer Azhar Siddique, head of the judicial activism panel. He included the Punjab government, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other relevant departments as parties in the case.
The petition asked the court to order recovery of Rs25 crore as compensation from the negligent officers and ensure its payment to the legal heirs. He also sought directions to register cases against Punjab Information Minister Azam Bukhari, Deputy Commissioner of Lahore and other officials for allegedly spreading false information about the incident.
