Advocates allege criminal negligence after two women died in Lahore sewer, seek judicial probe
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking registration of a criminal case against Punjab Information Minister Azam Bukhari, Lahore Deputy Commissioner and other officials for allegedly spreading false information about the death of a mother and her daughter who fell into an open manhole near Bhati Gate.
The petition noted that more than 10,000 manhole covers are stolen annually in Lahore, but no effective preventive measures have yet been taken. He argued that police registration of an FIR under Section 322 is inappropriate as the deaths were not accidental but a result of alleged criminal negligence. The petitioner asserted that the government’s response was largely symbolic and did not hold responsible officials accountable.
The petition sought formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident, take strict action against the negligent officials, establish the facts of the case and determine adequate compensation for the family.
Read: Woman and child die after falling into sewer in Lahore
The petition also alleged that police officers and government representatives harassed the grieving family after the incident.
The petition was filed by lawyer Azhar Siddique, head of the Judicial Activism Panel. It has included the Punjab government, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other relevant departments as parties in the case.
The petition requested the court to order recovery of Rs 25 million as compensation from the negligent officials and ensure its payment to the legal heirs. He also sought directions to register cases against Punjab Information Minister Azam Bukhari, Deputy Commissioner Lahore and other officials for allegedly spreading misinformation about the incident.
