The chief justice of the Lahore High Court has sought a report from the Sheikhupura district and sessions judge on the submission of a challan in a case of alleged criminal negligence which resulted in a child’s maiming.
According to a press report, 9-year-old Ali Muzaffar, resident of Narang Mandi and a student at a private school, suffered a severe electric shock in a school washroom. A fire broke out in the washroom and he was badly burnt. He was taken to a hospital in Lahore, where doctors had to amputate an arm and all his fingers and toes.
The student’s father, Muzaffar Hussain, accused the school’s principal, Dr Naik Muhammad, of criminal negligence in leaving naked electricity wires in the washroom. He also alleged that the principal was stealing electricity in connivance with his brother Shaukat Ali, a Wapda employee.
The Sheikhupura district and sessions judge later reported to the LHC that a case had been registered at Narang Mandi police station on Hussain’s complaint against Dr Muhammad and others. Dr Muhammad was arrested during the course of the investigation.
In a statement recorded by the sessions judge, Hussain said that he was satisfied that the police were addressing his grievance.
The judge directed the Sheikhupura DPO to make sure that the investigation is completed in accordance with the law and that the challan or charge sheet is submitted as soon as possible.
The LHC Complaints Cell has directed the Sheikhupura district and sessions judge to ensure that the challan is submitted within a week.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2013.