LAHORE — The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) suspended 12 police officers, including a Station House Officer (SHO), on Wednesday after an internal inquiry found they conducted an illegal raid in the city’s Gulberg area.
The action follows a series of complaints from residents regarding the unauthorized operation. According to the initial inquiry, the team—led by the SHO—broke into a private residence without a search warrant or legal justification. Neighbors recorded parts of the incident on their mobile phones, capturing officers threatening occupants and damaging property, which eventually forced the department’s hand.
The CCPO’s office confirmed the suspension of the entire raiding party, citing “gross misconduct and abuse of authority.” The officers are now facing a formal departmental inquiry. If the findings hold up, they could face permanent dismissal from the force.
This incident is not an isolated case in Lahore, where residents frequently report police overstepping their bounds. The Punjab police department has struggled to curb “thana culture,” where officers often act without oversight. The swift suspension of 12 personnel in a single day marks a rare attempt by senior command to project accountability.
Despite the suspensions, the affected family claims their ordeal isn’t over. They told reporters that the officers involved have already started sending intermediaries to pressure them into dropping the complaint.
“They broke into our home like criminals,” the homeowner said, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns. “We want more than just suspensions; we want them prosecuted so this doesn’t happen to someone else.”
The CCPO has directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) to conclude the investigation within 48 hours. Whether this inquiry leads to criminal charges or quietly fades away remains the core question for a public tired of police impunity.
