BALAKOT:
A traffic police officer apologized to a female passenger after an altercation over the issuance of a ticket and a slap.
The dispute, which took place at the Bararkot checkpoint between Gari Habibullah and Muzaffarabad, led to an altercation when the police officer allegedly slapped the woman for raising her voice during negotiations.
The woman also slapped the officer, leading to public protests and a blockade of the Muzaffarabad highway.
The police officer stationed at the Bararkot check post reportedly stopped a vehicle traveling from Muzaffarabad to Gari Habibullah (Balakot). He requested the vehicle documents and upon checking them, found that the documents were allegedly incomplete and imposed a fine on the driver.
An argument ensued between the driver and the officer, during which a woman in the vehicle began yelling. In response, the officer allegedly slapped her. This sparked outrage from 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 arguments, 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 later reopened to traffic.
A video of the woman slapping the officer went viral on social media, generating mixed reactions: some sympathized with the woman, while others supported the police officer.
The incident also drew criticism of the police officers present at the scene, as social media users questioned why the official was allowed to be slapped in the presence of higher-ranking officials.
In a statement, Manshera DPO Shafiullah Gundapur acknowledged the inappropriate conduct of the police officer but also condemned the woman’s behaviour. He stated that certain people had tried to take advantage of the situation to disturb public order and create disturbances.
He assured that immediate measures were taken to maintain law and order, with three SPs and one DSP deployed to prevent any escalation. The Gundapur DPO said mistakes occurred but they will be addressed and there will be no tolerance for divisive forces or those who seek to disturb the peace.
He confirmed that an inquiry committee had been established under the leadership of the DIG of Hazara region to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that justice is done, considering all the evidence and facts.
