Advocates allege criminal negligence after two women die in Lahore well, seek probe
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking registration of a criminal case against Punjab Information Minister Azam Bukhari, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore and other officials for allegedly spreading false information about the deaths of a mother and daughter who fell into an open manhole near Bhati Gate.
The petition noted that more than 10,000 manhole covers are stolen in Lahore annually, but effective preventive measures remain absent. It argued that the police’s registration of an FIR under Section 322 is insufficient as the deaths were not accidental but a result of alleged criminal negligence. The petitioner argued that the government’s response was largely symbolic and failed to hold responsible officials accountable.
The petition sought the formation of a judicial commission to probe the incident, take strict action against negligent officials, ascertain the facts of the case and determine appropriate compensation for the family.
Read: Woman, child die when they fall into a manhole in Lahore
The petition also alleged that police officials and government officials harassed the bereaved family after the incident.
The petition was filed by lawyer Azhar Siddique, head of the Judicial Activism Panel. He has included the Government of Punjab, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other relevant departments as parties to the case.
The petition requested that the court order recovery of Rs25 crore in compensation from the negligent officials and ensure its payment to the legal heirs. It also sought directions to register cases against Punjab Information Minister Azam Bukhari, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore and other officials for allegedly spreading wrong information about the incident.
