Disabled Fruit Vendor Cleared by Court After Alleged False Case Over Speaking Out Against Authorities
Sharaqpur Sharif: A local court has discharged an elderly disabled fruit vendor, identified as Baba Siddique, from a criminal case that was allegedly registered against him after he publicly complained about the confiscation of his livelihood by local authorities.
According to journalist Muhammad Umair, Baba Siddique, a resident of Sharaqpur Sharif in Sheikhupura district, is disabled in one arm and earns a living by selling fruit from a handcart. During an anti-encroachment operation conducted by the district administration, officials allegedly confiscated his fruit cart, produce, and weighing scale, leaving him without a source of income.
After the incident, the elderly vendor recorded a video statement describing what he said was unfair treatment by the authorities. The video circulated widely on social media and drew public attention.
بابے صدیق کی ضمانت ہوگئی
شیخوپورہ، شرق پور شریف کا رہائشی بابا صدیق ایک بازو سے معذور ہے اور ریڑھی لگا کر اپنا گزر بسر کرتا ہے، چند روز قبل اسکی ریڑھی پر لگا پھل اور کنڈا انتظامیہ نے ضبط کرلیا۔ بابا جی کسی صحافی کو ویڈیو بیان دے بیٹھے جس کے بعد بابا جی کو سامان واپسی کے نام پر… pic.twitter.com/7KILF4DTTY
— Muhammad Umair (@MohUmair87) July 1, 2026
Reports claim that police and district officials later asked Baba Siddique to visit the police station to collect his confiscated belongings. However, upon his arrival, he was allegedly arrested instead, with police registering a case against him and placing him in custody.
The incident sparked public criticism after images of the elderly disabled man in handcuffs circulated online. When the case came before the court, the judge reportedly rejected the police’s version of events, discharged Baba Siddique from the case, approved his bail, and ordered his immediate release.
The incident has raised concerns among citizens and rights advocates over the treatment of vulnerable individuals and the alleged misuse of legal proceedings against those who speak out against official actions.
