A judicial inquiry has begun into the mysterious deaths of two women in police custody at Lahore’s Township police station, as their families alleged the victims were tortured and newly surfaced videos showed them appearing healthy shortly before their deaths.

The deceased, identified as Anmol and Amina, were relatives who had been taken into custody following a theft complaint received through the Police Helpline 15.

The case has triggered fresh controversy after the victims’ families claimed the women had visible torture marks on their bodies and accused police of misleading them about their whereabouts.

According to the families, police informed them that the women had been arrested. However, when they arrived at the Township police station, officers handed them a copy of the FIR and told them the suspects had already been sent to jail, advising them to secure bail.

The relatives alleged the women were subjected to torture while in custody, claiming their bodies bore clear signs of physical abuse. They further alleged that police offered them money in an attempt to silence them.

Family members also said Anmol was the mother of a four-month-old infant.

Meanwhile, videos recovered from the women’s mobile phones have surfaced, showing both women appearing physically fit after being taken into police custody. The footage reportedly shows no visible signs of illness, intoxication or drug use.

According to sources, only a short time after the videos were recorded, both women died under mysterious circumstances. Their bodies were later shifted to Jinnah Hospital.

A judicial inquiry into the incident has now been launched. Members of the judicial inquiry committee visited Township police station, recorded statements from police personnel, inspected the bodies at the mortuary and also documented statements from the victims’ family members.

Following post-mortem examinations, police handed over the bodies to the families, who transported them to their native town of Pakpattan for burial.

According to rescue and police sources, the women were initially detained by the Operations Wing after a theft complaint was received through the Police Helpline 15. After an FIR was registered, they were handed over to the Investigation Wing.

Police have said the women fell ill while in custody. One died at the Township police station, while the other succumbed at a hospital.

Authorities have maintained that investigations are ongoing and that the findings of the judicial inquiry and post-mortem reports will help determine the exact circumstances and cause of the two deaths.