Four arrested for torturing of mentally challenged man

KHANEWAL: Four people, including a police constable, were arrested after a video showing the alleged torture of a mentally challenged man circulated on social media, prompting public anger and a departmental inquiry.

According to police, the incident took place two days earlier near the Nawan Chowk police post, where the man was allegedly subjected to a severe assault.

After the footage appeared online and drew widespread criticism, District Police Officer Khanewal Abid Ali ordered an inquiry into the matter and directed officials to widen the scope of the investigation.

Inquiry ordered after video goes viral

The inquiry was launched after the video gained traction on social media and triggered public outrage over the treatment of the mentally challenged man.

During the investigation, police found that a local hotel owner and police personnel were allegedly involved in the assault. Authorities then moved to arrest those identified in connection with the case.

Police said four suspects had been taken into custody, including a police constable. The arrests came after the departmental probe was initiated on the orders of the district police officer.

One suspect still at large

Police said another suspect, identified as Constable Driver Faisal, had not yet been arrested and remained at large.

They added that efforts were under way to apprehend him.

The case drew attention after the video spread widely online, leading to criticism and calls for action. The departmental inquiry was subsequently expanded on the instructions of DPO Abid Ali, and investigators concluded that both private individuals and police personnel were allegedly involved.

The arrests mark the initial action taken in the case, while police continue efforts to trace the remaining suspect.