Cops in embezzlement case still at large

Suspects include nine personnel of Mandra police, private individual

RAWALPINDI:

Nine personnel of the Mandra police station along with a private individual, who were implicated in a case involving the embezzlement of foreign currency and seized goods worth millions of rupees could not be arrested despite a two-day lapse.

According to sources, the seized goods and foreign currency were stolen from FIA Commercial Bank Circle Islamabad Zone’s warehouse.

The individuals have also been accused of tampering with the police station’s daily log.

The case was registered following a complaint from an FIA officer. Police officials have stated that an investigation and inquiry into the case are ongoing, and those found guilty will be charged accordingly, sources said. The details of the case reveal that an FIR was lodged at Mandra police station based on the complaint of FIA Anti-Corruption SHO Asfandyar. The complaint alleges the theft of 150 million rupees from the FIA warehouse.

The case names SHO Mandra Inspector Malik Yasir Awan, along with nine police officials and one civilian, for their involvement in the embezzlement. Evidence presented by the FIA includes CCTV footage showing the embezzlement of funds and tampering with the police station’s daily logs.

SHO FIA Anti-Corruption Asfandyar stated in his application to CPO Rawalpindi that on May 31, 2024, Saad Anwar and Muhammad Hamza, former employees of the FIA, committed the theft of 150 million rupees worth of local and foreign currency from the FIA Commercial and Banking Circle’s warehouse in Islamabad.

The suspects were fleeing via GT Road when Mandra police apprehended them near the Mandra Toll Plaza, with the stolen money in their possession.