Forged papers offer inmates easy way out at Haripur Jail

Two officials sacked, five others penalised for their role in releasing inmates

HARIPUR: Authorities have suspended several high-ranking officials at the Haripur Central Jail after it was discovered that as many as 10 prisoners had been released on forged release papers.

The matter came to light when a woman came to the jail armed with release papers for her incarcerated husband – convicted and sentenced to serve out a sentence at the jail for dealing in drugs. However, jail authorities became suspicious about the papers and tried to verify the document.

During the process, as they contacted the concerned officials and presented the papers before the courts, they found that the papers were forged.

The woman was subsequently arrested and a local court issued warrants for arresting the woman’s accomplices.

Investigation of the prisoner release case has been completed, jail superintendent has been restored while others have been sentenced forced retirements and have been suspended from the jobs. Three months back, when a woman reached Haripur Central Jail along with forged release certificates for her husband, the matter of release of 10 prisoners on forged release certificates surfaced.

During the investigation, it was discovered that at least 10 prisoners were released using forged certificates.However, officials managed to arrest some of these prisoners who had secured their release while others are still absconding.

Apart from going after the released suspects, the jails department took notice of the situation and formed an inquiry committee. They suspended Superintendent Khalid Abbas along with seven other officers.

After probing the incident for three months, an inquiry report was submitted to jail administration for further action. In the light of the inquiry report, Abbas was restored to his position, while Superintendent Sardar Zaman was suspended from duty. Deputy Superintendent Ayub Khan was demoted, Senior Jail Assistant Noorul Sabar and Warden Ubaid Ahmed were fired, Assistant Jail Superintendent Syed Badshah’s increment and bonus were suspended for two years, while Assistant Superintendent Gul Jawad was warned. Abdul Razza’s increment was also suspended for two years.

To prevent additional releases through forged certificates, sources said that jail officials are devising a strategy whereby the documents can be verified with court officials and the concerned jail authorities before a prisoner is released. Moreover, telephonic interaction with the authorities will also be maintained at all times.

Sources have claimed that they also plan to investigate records through biometric verification of prisoners as part of the new strategy.

(TRANSLATED BY LAILA RAZA)

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2017.