Police resume khulli kucheries in Rawalpindi

CPO says complainants can directly approach him if grievances are not addressed

RAWALPINDI:

After a hiatus of over three months, the Rawalpindi police on Monday resumed its in-person khulli kucheries to address public grievances.

The khulli kucheris (town halls) had been suspended after the emergence of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Ahsan Younus organised a Khuli Kuchery at his office on Monday. All precautionary guidelines and social distancing protocols for Covid-19 were observed during the complaint-hearing-and-resolution meeting.

The CPO heard some 54 complaints which he had either received through electronic messages from residents on WhatsApp or in person.

A citizen, identified as Muhammad Zahid, complained to the CPO that he had allegedly been detained in a police lockup for two days without any reason while he was not charged either.

At this, Younus spoke with the City SDPO on the phone and sought a report on the incident from him.

Police officials face alleged discrimination

Another Rawalpindi resident, Waqas, said that some people were attempting to grab his land. At this, the CPO instructed the Chauntra SHO to launch legal action on Waqas’ complaint.

He also heard several other complaints and directed the related police officials to address them within a set time-frame.

CPO Younus also informed complainants to approach him directly if their grievances are not addressed.

Previously, during the lockdown, imposed to curb the virus from spreading, an online khulli kuchery had been held.

Three-member gang busted

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi police claimed to have busted a three-member gang involved in robberies and recovered Rs200,000 in cash, weapons and a motorbike from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that the Gujar Khan police on Monday arrested three dacoits. They were identified as Muhammad Hammad alias Hamadi (ring leader), Muhammad Rafaqat and Naqash Ahmed.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2020.