Cops suspended for thrashing citizen

Rawalpindi CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani has suspended four Dolphin Force personnel involved in assaulting a citizen during Independence Day celebrations in Murree.

According to sources, the suspended personnel, identified as Asif, Hanzla, Ismail, and Hassan, were seen in a viral video, subjecting the citizen to physical abuse, including slapping, punching, and kicking.

The incident occurred in a crowded area, they said.

Sources further said the CPO has initiated a comprehensive inquiry led by Saddar SP and ordered the issuance of a charge sheet.

He stressed the gravity of violence, declaring it unacceptable, and blamed the absence of tolerance for such behaviour. Strict departmental consequences will be determined based on the inquiry report's findings, he said.

The victim of the assault was seen begging for mercy, but the Dolphin Force personnel continued their actions despite the pleas.

Earlier this month, the Rawalpindi police chief suspended at least 60 wardens of the traffic department for being absent from duty which caused hours-long traffic jams in various areas of the garrison city.

Khalid Hamdani also issued orders for departmental action against the personnel for negligence and carelessness.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2023.