A local court on Wednesday extended the physical remand of five accused in the Bhati Gate manhole tragedy case. The incident claimed the lives of a woman and her nine-month-old daughter on January 28, 2026.
The mother and child fell into an open sewage drain near Bhati Gate. The child’s body was recovered approximately 17 hours later, nearly eight kilometres from the site, while the mother’s body was recovered around six hours after the fall.
Initially, rescue teams and officials dismissed the incident as fake. Despite repeated pleas from the victim’s family, the district administration denied the reports. The stance changed only after the mother’s body was recovered, confirming the tragedy.
Police produced the accused before Judicial Magistrate Shafqat Abbas after their initial physical remand ended. The prosecution requested an extension, citing the need for further investigation. The defense opposed the extension. After hearing both sides, the court extended the physical remand of the accused by five days.
The accused include Project Manager Asghar Sandhu, safety in-charge Hunzala, site in-charge Ahmad Nawaz, and two brothers, Salman and Usman, employed by a private company. The extension allows investigators more time to gather evidence and question the suspects thoroughly.
Inquiry Report Findings
An inquiry committee formed by the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) investigated allegations of custodial torture against Ghulam Murtaza, the husband of the victims. According to the report, three police officers — the SP City, the SDPO, and the concerned SHO — were found negligent.
The committee stated that Ghulam Murtaza was allegedly tortured in the SHO’s retiring room, reportedly in the presence of the SP. The panel, led by AIG CIA Imran Mahmood and supported by DIG Ahmed Nasir Aziz and DIG Imran Kishore, was tasked with probing the custodial torture allegations following the Bhati Gate tragedy.
The court’s decision to extend the physical remand ensures that authorities continue a detailed investigation into the negligence and circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
In other news read more about: Lahore Court Grants Four-Day Physical Remand in Bhatti Gate Manhole Tragedy
