Three cops suspended for extorting clothes

A police sub-inspector and two constables have been suspended on charges of extortion from a shop ahead of Eid in Shergarh.

According to District Police Officer (DPO) Faisal Shehzad, said Sub-Inspector in charge of investigation Imran Faisal and Constables Muhammad Javed and Muhammad Azam had taken clothes from Muhammad Sajid's shop in the main bazaar of Shergarh after threatening him.

The shopkeeper informed the DPO about the incident and presented CCTV footage. It can be seen in the video clips that the sub-inspector was harassing the shopkeeper along with his colleagues and taking away clothes.

Taking notice of the complaint, the DPO directed DSP Renala Circle Zafar Iqbal Dogar to conduct an inquiry. The DSP carried out the inquiry and submitted a report to the DPO within 24 hours.

Reportedly, SI Faisal, driver Azam and Constable Javed were found guilty in the inquiry. The DPO suspended the three personnel in the light of the inquiry report.

Speaking to local traders, DPO Faisal Shehzad said that no one is above the law and corruption and blackmailing will not be tolerated in the police. Protecting traders is the top responsibility of the department, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2021.