Kasur cops arrested after backlash for filming video of individuals at ‘dance party’

District Police Officer (DPO) of Kasur, Muhammad Essa Khan took strict action following the circulation of a viral video showing men and women detained during a police raid on a farmhouse. The raid was carried out on allegations of obscene dancing, liquor use, drug consumption, and loudspeakers during a dance party.

A local court later ordered the release of all detained individuals, and two police officers were suspended for filming the video.

A total of 55 individuals, including 25 women and 30 men, were initially arrested, but the court dismissed the case and ordered their release.

The video that surfaced on social media depicted police officers forcing detainees to face the camera while recording them. The clip sparked outrage over the police's conduct, prompting authorities to take action.

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According to police sources, Sub-Inspector Muhammad Sadiq and Constable Nadeem Nagi (PHP) were charged under multiple legal provisions, including Sections 3 and 4 of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order 1979, Section 6(a) of the Punjab Prohibition of Sheesha Smoking Act 2014, Section 6 of The Punjab Sound System Regulation Act 2015, and Sections 292 and 293 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The detainees were presented before a court on Saturday. In a press release, the Kasur Police provided details of the raid, including blurred images of the suspects and a claim that liquor and sound systems had been seized from the farmhouse.

The statement also stated that Mustafabad SHO Saqlain Bukhari had been put in charge of the raid team by DPO Essa Khan.

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However, after the court's decision to dismiss the case and release the detainees, the police changed their narrative.

A new press release clarified that the video was not made in an 'official' capacity but was the act of individuals. The DPO assigned the investigation to the SP Investigation to submit a detailed report on the incident.

As per the updated press release, Investigation Officers Muhammad Sadiq and Muharar Muhammad Shabir were suspended for filming the video.

While the statement did not directly address the legal justification for the raid, it emphasised the importance of upholding the "self-respect of citizens."