New scandal hits women’s police station

Female SHO accused of theft, blackmail by staff

RAWALPINDI:

In a dramatic turn of events, allegations of theft and blackmail have arisen within the Women’s police station in Rawalpindi.

According to sources, a female constable has accused the station house officer (SHO) of theft and blackmail against the staff at the said police station.

Contrarily, a spokesperson for the police has said that the complainant has leveled baseless allegations to evade accountability.

According to the complaint lodged by Lady Constable Anita Naseem, a woman named Arisha Khalid had visited the station and met with SHO Irum Khanam, submitting an application. During her visit to the station, Arisha Khalid misplaced her purse, sparking a chain of events. CCTV footage allegedly captured SHO Irum Khanam taking the purse, removing money from it, and later disposing of it under a blue chair.

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The report goes on to claim that SHO Irum Khanam, aware of being observed on camera, pressured Anita Naseem to remain silent about the incident, even threatening her job. Additionally, it is alleged that this was not the first time SHO Khanam had taken money from others.

The complainant further claimed these actions, as described, not only violated the departmental rules and discipline but also subjected her to psychological torment. The report suggests that SHO Irum Khanam habitually sought money through such means.

She further stated that in response to these allegations, SHO Irum Khanam defended herself by asserting that she had gifted items such as perfume to officers and readers, insisting that no action could be taken against her for this reason.

The Rawalpindi police spokesperson disclosed that an inquiry into the matter is under way, with the Headquarters SP leading the investigation.

The initial findings of the inquiry did not substantiate the accusations brought forth by the complainant against the SHO.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2023.