ICT police officials dismissed for involvement in criminal activities

Islamabad : The involvement of five officials of the Noon Police Station, including Station House Officer (SHO), a sub-inspector (SI), a head constable and two constables have been found in facilitating the armed gangs of dacoits, operating in Islamabad, Rawal­pindi and Taxila, the inquiry report revealed.

Following an inquiry ordered by Inspector General (IG) Syed Ali Naser Rizvi and Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Syed Ali Raza, the officers were dismissed from their positions.

The inquiry report revealed, the robbers’ gang, responsible for several armed heists in the region, was being supported and protected in carrying out their criminal activities by these officials. The involvement of these officers came to light after senior officials from Wah Cantt, of the Rawalpindi Police, lodged a complaint with the top cops of the federal capital police and requested an inquiry into the matter. Upon investigation, it was proven that the Islamabad police officers were aiding and abetting the gang.

The police authorities appointed SP (Industrial Area Zone) to inquire the matter, the report said adding that the inquiry officer conducted a regular enquiry and investigate the extent and applicability of the charges levelled against the accused police officials. Upon the minute perusal of available record and circumstantial evidences, the enquiry officer endorsed the allegations levelled against them and held them negligent police officers.

The inquiry officer called in Orderly Room held on 26-8-2024 and heard them in person. During the hearing, their verbal and written replies were found unsatisfactory, as they failed to perform their duties in a professional and efficient manners, which amount to gross misconduct for which they are accountable under the relevant rules.

“Having considered the facts and circumstances, I am satisfied that there are ample proof to proceed against them. Therefore, finding them guilty of gross misconduct, (under Punjab Police (E&D) Rules-1975 as adopted by ICT Police) I, Syed Ali Raza (PSP) Deputy Inspector General of Police, Islamabad award him a major punishment of ‘Dismissal from service’, the inquiry officer concluded.

In light of these findings, both the IG and DIG (Operations) took immediate action against the officials involved in criminal activities. Orders were issued to dismiss SHO Noon police station, a sub-inspector, an ASI, a head constable and a constable from their government positions for their role in facilitating the criminal network.

Sub-Inspector Syed Asim Ghaffar, currently posted as the SHO at Police Station Noon, has been dismissed from service following a departmental inquiry into charges of corruption and gross misconduct. The dismissal order was issued by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Syed Ali Raza, after the officer was found guilty of accepting bribes and failing to perform his duties efficiently.

The case surfaced from a report submitted by the SHO of Wah Cantt Police Station, Rawalpindi, who arrested suspects involved in an armed robbery case (FIR No. 356/24, u/s 392-PPC). During the investigation, the suspects revealed that they had been arrested by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police on the night of June 18-19, 2024, near Chungi no. 26 (within the jurisdiction of PS Noon) but were released without any legal action after paying a bribe.

An inquiry into the matter was conducted by the SP of Industrial Area Zone, Islamabad. The investigating officer examined all available evidence and endorsed the allegations against Sub-Inspector Asim Ghaffar. The inquiry report confirmed that Ghaffar had displayed inefficiency, negligence, and unprofessionalism in his duties.

Following the inquiry, Sub-Inspector Ghaffar was called for a personal hearing in the Orderly Room on August 26, 2024, where he provided verbal and written responses to the charges. However, his explanations were found unsatisfactory. The inquiry concluded that his actions amounted to gross misconduct, violating the Punjab Police (E&D) Rules-1975, as adopted by ICT Police.

Consequently, DIG Syed Ali Raza, in a written order, dismissed Sub-Inspector Asim Ghaffar from service with immediate effect.

The dismissal serves as a strong message to law enforcement personnel about the consequences of corruption and misconduct within the ranks of the police force.

This revelation has sent shockwaves through the police force and the public, raising serious concerns about law enforcement's role in maintaining public safety.