Gujranwala: Son dies by suicide after father jailed over electricity theft

A 20-year-old man in Gujranwala's Wania Wala area took his own life by drinking acid after failing to secure bail for his father, who had been arrested 25 days earlier in an electricity theft case.

According to reports, Muhammad Boota, a daily wage laborer, was unable to pay a Rs 30,000 electricity bill. As a result, the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) disconnected power supply to his home. Due to the extreme heat, Boota allegedly connected a wire directly to the main line to run a fan.

During an inspection, a Gepco team discovered the illegal connection, registered a case of electricity theft, and handed Boota over to the police. He was subsequently sent to jail.

Following his arrest, Gepco officials allegedly demanded that Boota’s only son, Faraz, pay the outstanding dues and arrange his father’s bail. Struggling under financial stress and emotional pressure, Faraz consumed acid in a suicide attempt.

Read: Husband drowns while saving wife from suicide attempt in Bahawalnagar

He was rushed to the hospital by Rescue 1122. Before passing away, Faraz reportedly told medical staff that his father has been in jail for 25 days, and Gepco is demanding money from him. Faraz said that he can't pay the fine or arrange bail.

Faraz later succumbed to his injuries.

Advocate Rizwan Gul, a senior member of the District Bar, took up Boota’s case and secured his release on bail. Boota was able to attend his son’s funeral.

 “This is a tragic reflection of the system’s failure to protect the poor and vulnerable. Detaining a father over a small unpaid bill, and pressuring his son who lacked resources, has led to the loss of a young life,” Advocate Gul said while condemnning the harsh treatment of economically disadvantaged individuals

The government's harsh treatment of financially vulnerable individuals sparked widespread public anger, leading many to question how public officials could justify persecuting ordinary citizens over minor transgessions.