SHO Chehlik Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct; Departmental Action and High-Level Inquiry Ordered

MULTAN (Staff Reporter): Following widespread discussion of the matter on social media and its reported escalation to senior Punjab authorities, Station House Officer (SHO) of Chehlik Police Station, Sub-Inspector Muhammad Hanif, has been suspended and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him. He has been directed to report to the District Police Lines, Multan.

According to sources, significant progress has been made in connection with allegations surrounding a police raid at Sindbad Hotel, during which men, women and hotel owners were allegedly taken into custody, handcuffed and photographed, with the images subsequently circulated on social media. A suspension order issued through the Punjab Police Human Resource Management System confirms that Muhammad Hanif was suspended on allegations of misconduct and states that separate departmental proceedings have also been initiated against him.

Sources said a two-member high-level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the incident. The inquiry will determine whether the SHO exceeded his authority during the operation and whether photographs of the detained individuals were taken and subsequently circulated through social media.

The matter gained wider attention following comments and posts by journalist Rauf Klasra on social media, after which the issue was reportedly brought to the attention of senior Punjab police authorities.

According to Rauf Klasra, some of the photographs taken during the police operation were blurred to conceal the identities of the affected individuals, while he alleged that the original photographs had been released to the media and circulated on social media by the SHO. He further alleged that the SHO had a banner prepared to publicise the operation, carrying the slogan: “Gujjar’s name speaks, Gujjar’s work speaks.”

The departmental inquiry will now examine whether the police action was carried out in accordance with the law and departmental rules or whether the SHO exceeded his authority. Further action will be taken in light of the findings of the inquiry.