A police officer in Lahore has been dismissed from service after being caught taking honey from a street vendor without paying for it. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has sparked outrage among locals and raised questions about the conduct of law enforcement officers in the region.
According to witnesses, the officer, identified as Inspector Ali Raza, approached a street vendor selling honey on the busy streets of the city. After sampling a jar of honey, the officer allegedly told the vendor he would not pay, claiming he was “entitled to it.” The vendor, a local entrepreneur, was reportedly intimidated by the officer but managed to capture the encounter on his phone.
The video footage, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the officer taking the honey and walking away without handing over any money. The incident drew sharp criticism from the public, with many calling for disciplinary action against the officer.
The Lahore Police Department acted swiftly in response. A spokesperson for the department confirmed that an internal investigation was launched immediately after the video surfaced. Following a thorough inquiry, Inspector Raza was found guilty of misconduct and was terminated from his position.
“The behavior exhibited by the officer was completely unacceptable and goes against the values we uphold in the police force,” said the spokesperson. “We take these matters seriously, and this incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.”
The street vendor, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, expressed relief after the officer’s dismissal but also voiced concerns about the impact of such incidents on public trust in law enforcement. “I was just trying to make an honest living,” he said. “No one should be allowed to abuse their authority like that.”
This incident has sparked a wider conversation about corruption and abuse of power within the police force, with many residents of Lahore calling for greater accountability and transparency in the city’s law enforcement agencies.
As the dust settles, officials have promised to implement further training and oversight to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Meanwhile, the street vendor has reportedly been offered support by local business organizations and is expected to receive a compensation package for the distress caused.
