Caught red-handed by citizens, robber ‘released’ by police

In a video confession, the robber named three cops from the same station as his accomplices

KARACHI: A robber, who had been caught red-handed in Korangi by citizens a few days ago, was allegedly released by the Zaman Town police on Sunday.

Area residents had handed the suspect over to the police after recording a video confession in which he had also identified his accomplices, three of whom are reportedly police officials.

When criminal activity rose in the neighbourhood, residents had set up their own security system, nabbing the suspect on Friday night.

According to the robber's statement, his accomplices were ASI Arshad alias Ghora, Sadiq and Babar, who are deputed at the Zaman Town police's investigation department. He claimed that these officials took part in robbery attempts with him while carrying out duties at police pickets. Arshad was allegedly also found guilty of stealing Rs750,000 a year ago.

When the residents went to the police station to inquire about the robber on Sunday night, they were told that the robber had escaped.

However, according to Korangi SSP Faisal Chachar, Zaman Town duty officer Zulfiqar Khokar had released the robber. Chachar stated that Khokar had been suspended and demoted for this, while disciplinary action was also being taken against him. Meanwhile, SHO Rao Zakir has also been suspended.

Furthermore, Investigation SSP Junaid Shaikh said that Arshad, Sadiq and Babar have been suspended and demoted as well, while orders have been issued to carry out an investigation against them. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2020.