Lad lands behind bars for harassing women in Rawalpindi

Bani police officials allegedly interfere with legal process against suspect

RAWALPINDI:

A youth was arrested from the Sadiqabad area of Rawalpindi on Thursday for harassing women.

According to a police spokesperson, the man was apprehended following locals’ complaints

However, the situation took a contentious turn when two officials from the Bani police station allegedly interfered with the legal process against the accused, drawing criticism from the area's inhabitants.

Acting Rawalpindi CPO Hafiz Kamran Asghar, intervened by assigning DSP Newtown as the investigating officer and requesting a detailed report on the incident. He emphasised the possibility of strict disciplinary actions against the implicated officials if found guilty of neglecting their duties.

According to police reports, complaints were lodged via helpline 15 by residents of Sadiqabad, citing instances of the young man harassing women who were dropping off their children at school. Subsequently, the Sadiqabad police responded swiftly, apprehending the suspect identified as Waqas, who was engaging in indecent behaviour towards women.

However, during the legal proceedings, concerns arose regarding the involvement of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) from the police station and an officer from the Bani police station, allegedly using their positions to favour the accused.

This development led to a protest by the local community, including residents of Sadiqabad Iqbal Town, expressing dissatisfaction with the actions of the police officials. The demonstrators highlighted ongoing complaints about inappropriate behaviour towards women in the area. The protesters demanded an impartial inquiry by the interior minister, Rawalpindi RPO, and Rawalpindi CPO, urging departmental punishment for the implicated officials and enhanced protection for the area's residents against such misconduct.

Acting CPO Rawalpindi Hafiz Kamran Asghar reiterated the seriousness of the matter, mentioning the assignment of DSP Newtown as the inquiry officer and the initiation of a comprehensive report. Meanwhile, SP Rawal Faisal Saleem assured that legal measures were underway against the offenders responsible for harassing women and girls, affirming a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, harassment, and mistreatment of women and children.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2024.