Lahore police ASI booked despite Rs500,000 settlement after Jail Road crash

A Lahore Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) is facing a criminal case and departmental inquiry after a video of a road accident

LAHORE:  A Lahore Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) is facing a criminal case and departmental inquiry after a video of a road accident involving his official vehicle went viral on social media, despite an alleged out-of-court settlement in which he paid Rs500,000 to the affected woman.

The officer has been identified as ASI Ghafar Naveed, who is reportedly posted in the Judicial Wing of Lahore Police. According to sources, the incident occurred on Jail Road on the night of October 15, when the officer allegedly collided with a car driven by a female bank employee.

Sources said the ASI was returning home after duty in a government-registered vehicle. He allegedly told those present at the scene that he had consumed honey before driving and had been listening to songs by renowned Punjabi singer Attaullah Esakhelvi. The circumstances surrounding the collision and the officer’s condition have not been independently verified.

The other vehicle was reportedly a 660cc Japanese car being driven by a woman identified in the supplied account by the assumed name Sadia. She was said to have been driving within the speed limit when the collision occurred.

The impact reportedly left the woman shaken and prompted her to contact the police emergency helpline 15. She also recorded a video of the situation on her mobile phone, which later became central to the controversy.

According to the account, personnel from Shadman Police reached the scene following the call. Allegations have since emerged that some officers initially attempted to protect their colleague. However, this claim requires independent confirmation.

Settlement and video leak

Sources said the woman initially preferred not to pursue a formal criminal complaint and instead sought compensation for the damage to her vehicle. Following negotiations, the two parties reportedly reached a settlement under which the ASI paid Rs500,000.

Both parties subsequently left the scene, according to the supplied account. However, the matter resurfaced after the woman allegedly shared the recorded video with her cousin. The clip was then forwarded to others before reaching the media and circulating widely on social media platforms.

The video’s circulation brought the incident to the attention of senior police officials and prompted further action despite the reported private settlement.

Senior officers order action

Taking notice of the viral footage, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Faisal Kamran reportedly ordered departmental proceedings against the ASI. An FIR was subsequently registered against Ghafar Naveed on behalf of the police department, according to the supplied information.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Lahore was also directed to conduct a formal departmental inquiry into the incident.

The proceedings are expected to examine the circumstances of the collision, the officer’s conduct and the allegations surrounding the handling of the incident at the scene. The inquiry may also assess whether any police personnel failed to follow the required procedures.

The reported settlement does not, by itself, establish that criminal or departmental proceedings must end. The legal implications will depend on the nature of the allegations, applicable law and the findings of the relevant authorities.

The incident has raised questions about accountability within the police force, particularly when allegations involve an officer using an official vehicle.

Although the ASI reportedly paid Rs500,000 in compensation, he now faces further legal and departmental scrutiny. The final outcome will depend on the investigation and any subsequent proceedings.