Lady constables steal Rs2.5m during raid on Gutka factory

By Afzal Nadeem Dogar

November 17, 2024

Police personnel stand guard on a street in Karachi. — AFP/File

During a police raid by the Malir task force on a Gutka factory in Orangi Town on Saturday, Rs2.5 million was reportedly stolen from the house where the factory was being operated, and Rs1.6 million was recovered during the search of two lady constables.

Investigations have begun following the suspension of three lady police personnel. District Malir police chief SSP Kashif Abbasi said that based on a tip-off, the Sindh police chief’s task force headed by DSP Abid Mahar raided a Gutka factory located in a house in Moria Goth, Sector 12L, Orangi Town.

The officer said that 55kg of prepared Gutka and Mawa, betel nuts and other items were seized in the raid, while two suspects, Muhammad Younus, alias Noniya, and Muhammad Hussain, were arrested, and case No. 622/24 was registered at the Orangi Town police station.

According to SSP West Tariq Mustoi, after the Malir police party left following the operation, the family residing at the site of the raid arrived at the Orangi police station, claiming that Rs2.5 million, gold and foreign currency was stolen from their house during the raid.

SSP Abbasi said the police party incharge, DSP Mahar, stopped the raiding party at Malir Halt, where all the personnel were searched, during which Rs1.6 million in cash was recovered from the bags of lady constables Irum and Maira Khan.

However, the remaining money went missing. In an attempt to recover it, lady searchers were called in, following which both constables were physically searched, but no additional cash was found on them.

According to police officials, following this incident, Irum and Maira of the Shah Latif Town police station, and Malir City Head Constable Shazia have been suspended on charges of stealing money during the raid.

Departmental action has been initiated in this regard, and until the completion of the proceedings, the money will remain with the police party, and will be returned to the family. Reportedly, the stolen money was saved by the family to perform Umrah.