Cops suspended over ‘incompetence’

Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Khurram Ali has suspended station house officers (SHOs) of the Sadiqabad and Newtown police stations over allegations of incompetence and negligence in an abduction case that unfolded within in the Sadiqabad area last month. According to sources, a complainant whose family members were abducted has approached the RPO demanding justice. The complaint alleged that the police failed to register a case following the incident. The request included the registration of a case, the recovery of stolen goods, and the assurance of life and property protection. The petitioners also urged that those responsible for the kidnapping be brought to justice. In response, RPO Rawalpindi Syed Khurram Ali has appointed SSP Legal as the investigation officer and has mandated a comprehensive report to be submitted by September 30. In an effort to enhance transparency in the investigation, the SHOs have been suspended, and changes have been made to the police lineup. Syed Khurram Ali has provided official directives to the inquiry officer to conclude the investigation by September 30 and to produce a report that accounts for all relevant factors.   Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2023.