Lahore petrol station assault case ends, why court orders suspect’s release
Court discharges accused after compromise
A judicial magistrate discharged a man accused of beating a petrol station worker in Lahore after both parties reached a settlement. The court ordered his release after the complainant said he did not want to continue the case.
The incident took place at a Jubilee Town petrol station when the man arrived in an SUV to refuel. When a salesman asked him not to smoke on the premises, the man allegedly got out of his vehicle and beat the worker before leaving.
Police arrest suspect after video spreads
Police arrested the suspect after CCTV footage of the incident spread on social media and drew public attention. On Saturday, Chung police presented him before the court and requested 10 days of physical remand for questioning.
However, the petrol station worker told the court that the incident had happened because of a misunderstanding and that both sides had reached a compromise. He also said he did not want to pursue the case further, after which Judicial Magistrate Ali Amjid discharged the suspect.
Maryam Nawaz condemns treatment of workers
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shared a video reportedly showing the petrol station worker slapping the arrested suspect while a police officer tried to stop him. She criticised people who use money or influence to look down on poorer citizens.
“This is a tight slap in the face of those entitled, spoiled brats who look down upon the poor as if they were lesser human beings,” CM Maryam wrote. She added, “They arrogantly believe that money and power put them above the law, allowing them to exploit, intimidate, and act with impunity,”
The chief minister said she stood “firmly with the oppressed, regardless of how powerful their oppressors may be”. She also stated, “Justice is not a privilege reserved for the rich and powerful; it is a fundamental right of every citizen. No one is above the law, and no victim should ever have to fight alone simply because the perpetrator has money or influence,”
Earlier petrol station attack also sparked outrage
The latest case follows another alleged assault on petrol station workers in Lahore in September. Police arrested one of the suspects after a video of the incident spread online.
The earlier incident took place at a petrol station near Allama Iqbal International Airport in the Defence Housing Authority area. The footage reportedly showed several men, including an armed man, beating an employee, triggering widespread public anger.
The case highlights concerns about violence against workers and the role of social media in bringing such incidents to public attention. The complainant’s decision to settle led to the suspect’s release, but the case has also raised questions about how workers can be protected from abuse.
Maryam Nawaz’s comments focused on equal treatment under the law, regardless of wealth or influence. Fair investigations and effective protection for workers remain important in preventing similar incidents.
Also read: CM Maryam reacts to bail for man accused of assaulting female scooty rider
