ISLAMABAD: Four police officials, including a station house officer (SHO), were dismissed from service while the rank of another was reverted after they were found guilty of stealing valuables recovered from robbers and conducting faulty investigations against them.

Sources in the police said during an inquiry staff stationed at the Noon and Tarnol police stations were found involved in illegal practices.

As a result, the SHO of Noon police station, a sub-inspector (SI) and three constables were sacked while the rank of a sub-inspector (SI) posted to the Tarnol police station was reverted.

In 2021, the SHO had also been dismissed from service after two persons wanted by Peshawar police in an attempted murder case escaped from the custody of police.

However, he was reinstated but with his rank reverted to the assistant sub-inspector (ASI) after he filed an appeal against the punishment. Later, he got back his rank of SI in another appeal, the sources added.

According to separate orders issued from the office of Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Raza, “As per a special report received from SHO Wah Cantt Rawalpindi, he arrested culprits involved/nominated in a robbery case. During investigation, the culprits revealed that in between the night of June 18-19 they were arrested by the capital police near Chungi No 26 area of Noon police station and released without initiating/taking any legal action against them by taking bribe. The above situation depicts inefficiency, lack of interest, unprofessional and lethargic attitude while discharging official assignments which proves him an inefficient police officer. This provides sufficient grounds for awarding a major punishment.”

An inquiry into the matter was conducted by the SP I-Area Zone, which endorsed the allegations leveled against them.

They were heard in person by the undersigned on August 28, 2024, during which their verbal and written replies were found unsatisfactory. They failed to perform their duties in a professional and efficient manner that amounts to gross misconduct for which they are accountable under the relevant rules.

“Having considered the facts and circumstances, I am satisfied that there is 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), the major punishment of dismissal from service is being awarded to the three officials and a reduction in the rank for another official.”

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2024