LHC Slams Kasur Police Over Viral Raid Video, Calls It ‘Unacceptable in Any Society’

On April 14, 2025, the Lahore High Court (LHC) strongly criticized the Kasur police for circulating a video of individuals arrested during a dance party raid, labeling the act as “unacceptable in any society.” Justice Ali Zia Bajwa presided over the hearing of a contempt petition filed against Kasur District Police Officer (DPO) Essa Khan Sukhera for violating prior court orders that prohibited filming detainees. The incident in question involved a raid on April 4 at a farmhouse near Pakki Havali village, where 30 men and 25 women were arrested over allegations of obscene dancing, use of loudspeakers, and drug consumption. Although a local court discharged the suspects the following day, a video of the arrested individuals went viral, prompting public outrage. In response, DPO Sukhera suspended five police officials involved in sharing the video. During the hearing, Justice Bajwa emphasized the gravity of the misconduct and questioned the DPO’s ability to prevent such incidents in the future. The court also issued notices to three suspended officers and directed the Punjab advocate general to assist in determining the legality of exposing accused individuals in this manner.