Rickshaw Driver Sets Vehicle on Fire After Being Slapped by Traffic Officer in Quetta; ASI Suspended

Quetta: A dramatic incident unfolded in Quetta when a rickshaw driver set his vehicle on fire after allegedly being slapped by a traffic police officer over a challan. DIG Police Quetta, Imran Shaukat, took immediate notice of the incident and reached Bijli Road Police Station, where he met the driver, Abdul Nabi.

According to a spokesperson for the Balochistan Police, a traffic Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) identified as Rauf has been suspended for slapping the driver, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated. The action was taken in light of an inquiry report submitted by the SSP Traffic and other senior officers.

The police spokesperson stated that rickshaws (Zarangs) are banned in Quetta under orders issued by the Quetta Commissioner. Abdul Nabi had reportedly been operating the rickshaw illegally for the past four years without a valid driving license or vehicle registration. He also refused to present his national identity card when asked by traffic police.

According to the report, the ASI slapped the driver and impounded the rickshaw at the police station after Abdul Nabi refused to pay a fine of Rs1,000. Enraged by the action, the driver later set his rickshaw ablaze.

The inquiry further revealed that in the past, the driver had been let off after questioning in around 90 percent of similar incidents, while in 10 percent of cases he allegedly avoided action by paying money. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.