CHICHAWATNI (Staff Reporter): A local woman has raised a voice of protest against the Circle Police Station Sadar, accusing officials of ransacking her home and illegally seizing livestock and valuables under the guise of a search operation.
Details of the Incident
Mumtaz Bibi, a resident of village 114/12-L, held a press conference at the Chichawatni Press Club to highlight the alleged high-handedness of the local police. She claimed that police personnel forcibly entered her residence, caused extensive damage to household property, and looted lakhs of rupees in cash, gold jewelry, five head of cattle (including three cows and a calf), and a motorcycle.
Statement of the Victim
Speaking to the media, Mumtaz Bibi clarified that she is a divorcee living independently.
“My brother, Muhammad Zaid, is currently in police custody for a theft case. However, I have no contact or relationship with him. The police targeted my home solely because of him,” she stated.
She further alleged that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred. According to her, the police had previously seized her livestock, which were only returned following the intervention of the District Police Officer (DPO). She lamented that as a poor woman, her entire livelihood depends on her cattle, which have now been taken away again.
Police Response
When contacted for a statement, the SHO of Sadar Police Station dismissed the allegations of harassment. The police official maintained that Muhammad Zaid is a habitual offender involved in multiple cattle theft cases. Furthermore, the police claimed that Zaid is a wanted “proclaimed offender” (absconder) in two separate cases registered at the Kassowal Police Station.
Appeal for Intervention
The victim has made an urgent appeal to the DPO Sahiwal, requesting an immediate inquiry into the “police-gardi” (police high-handedness). She has demanded the recovery of her snatched belongings and called for protection against further harassment.