Man held for blackmail, sexual abuse

Police granted five-day physical remand of suspect

BAHAWALPUR:

An employee of the health department alleged in a press conference that Abdullah, along with DSP Jamshed Akhtar and SI Muhammad Virk, had kidnapped her and her husband.

She claimed they sexually assaulted her and later blackmailed her husband, demanding Rs1 million. Abdullah was produced in court, which granted the police a five-day physical remand.

The accused were alleged to be part of a gang led by former DPO Bahawalpur, Abbas Shah, DSP Jamshed Akhtar, and police volunteer Abdullah.

“This gang terrorised citizens of Bahawalpur, extorting money and falsely implicating innocent people in cases,” the victim alleged.

Farooq Kamal, a former bank manager, claimed in a press conference that his brother was tortured by the CIA police and demanded Rs2 million for his release.

Mehtab Kanwal, another victim, disclosed that Abdullah, DSP Jamshed Akhtar, and SI Muhammad Virk kidnapped and sexually assaulted her.

Despite her complaint, no action was taken until her press conference gained media attention. Abdullah was arrested and given a five-day physical remand.

According to Bahawalpur Police, Mehtab Kanwal's complaint prompted an inquiry, strengthening allegations against Abdullah.

It was also alleged that SP Investigation Ghulam Mehdi and DSP Legal Abdul Rauf were protecting the accused officers.

Bahawalpur DPO Asad Sarfaraz affirmed that justice would be served, emphasizing that the law applies equally to everyone.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2024.