Officers suspended over transgender baton charge reinstated

HARIPUR: Police officials suspended after a baton charge on members of the transgender community in Haripur have been reinstated following a reconciliation between the two sides, according to an order issued by the district police officer.

The order stated that departmental proceedings against the suspended personnel had been ended after the transgender community and the police officials concerned reached a settlement. Those restored to duty include City SHO Haroon Khan, PASI Noman Arshad, Constable Asim, Constable Faheem Shahzad, Constable Sajjad and Constable Muhammad Zubair.

The protest had been staged by members of the transgender community, who earlier blocked the motorway against restrictions they said had curtailed their right to earn. Police moved against the protesters after they did not comply with orders to clear the road blockade.

Police then baton-charged the demonstrators, leaving several transgender persons injured and taking them into custody. The officials involved were subsequently suspended over the use of force. The reinstatement drew criticism on social media, where users described the move as 'a mockery of the law'.