Police release 16 SOP violators ‘under pressure’

At least 16 people, including 10 women, who were detained for allegedly conducting illicit activities, have reportedly been released owing to pressure from some influential people, it has been learnt.

Sources said that Lohi Bher ASI Qasim Zia received a tip-off that illicit and immoral activities were taking place at a massage centre within the remits of the police station. He was also informed about alleged collusion between the police and parlour's owner owing to which it was being operated openly.

Subsequently, ASI Zia led a squad which raided the parlour and arrested 26 people, including 10 women. The parlour’s owner, identified as Saghir, was also arrested.

As soon as the suspects were shifted to the police station, officers started receiving calls from influential people who insisted on releasing all the suspects.

After many hours, 16 detainees were released owing to the pressure. Another 10, including Saghir, were booked for defying the lockdown rules.

The sources claimed that none of the sections included in the first information report (FIR) would result in the suspects being sent to jail.

A senior police official of the Islamabad Police told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity that running any immoral businesses was a criminal offence.

He added that the parlour was operating in collusion with powerful people, possibly even some members of the police force. He assured that the department will look into the matter.