ISLAMABAD: The capital police are getting help from the Safe City Project cameras installed in the Diplomatic Enclave and residential blocks to identify and trace the persons who allegedly gave tranquilisers to an American blogger and journalist at her flat.

Cynthia D. Ritchie is residing in a flat in the heavily guarded Diplomatic Enclave.

Talking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, a senior police officer said Ms Ritchie’s neighbour found her semi-conscious outside her flat and took her to Polyclinic.

After getting information, the police reached the area and inquired about the matter.

Cynthia Ritchie claims she was intoxicated by two persons who introduced themselves as Indian nationals

Doctors at the hospital examined her and provided her medical assistance. Her stomach was washed as there were traces of intoxication, he added.

Her toxicology test was also conducted to ascertain whether she was intoxicated/poisoned or not. Samples were handed over to police for getting it tested at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, Lahore.

The officer said Ms Ritchie’s condition was improving gradually and she was out of danger. She remained in the hospital under the observation of doctors for a few hours.

Later, she moved to her friend’s house after refusing to go back to her flat, he said, adding that security was being provided to her.

Ms Ritchie told police that she was intoxicated by two persons at her flat, the officer said.

“The two persons came to her residence and introduced themselves as Indian nationals.

They asked her to stop working in Pakistan,” he said.

In response, an argument erupted between Ms Ritchie and the two persons and the visitors forcefully gave her some drugs.

She told the police that she did not want to go back to the flat and asked the police to shift her to some safer place, the officer said.

The police asked her about a safer place of her choice and those whom she trusted.

In response, she informed the police about a friend’s residence where she was shifted.

The officer said so far no case over the incident had been registered and the police were waiting for a formal application.

However, the police and other departments concerned have started investigations to establish the facts.

The police officials are collecting CCTV footagefrom cameras installed at Red Zone, Diplomatic Enclave and the flat to identify the two persons.

Entry to the area is limited and regulated round-the-clock, another officer said, adding only those residing or working inside the area are allowed entry to Diplomatic Enclave.

But people are given entry on invitation from those working and residing inside the enclave and from the embassies, foreign missions and offices.

Media Director and Senior Superintendent of Police (operations) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanweer was approached by Dawn but he did not comment on the case.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2021