SIT formed to probe rioting cases

Rawalpindi police have formed a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe charges of rioting, vandalism, and violent clashes with police against leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The violent protests occurred in Rawalpindi on September 28-29 and October 5. The protests, which violated Section 144, resulted in clashes between the police and demonstrators, causing damage to public property.

Rawalpindi Investigations SSP Saba Sattar has been appointed to lead the inquiries, and seven-member special investigation teams have been formed under her command.

These teams will investigate charges including robbery, damage to property, resisting police, and aiding and abetting. CPO Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani has ordered the teams to provide weekly updates on their progress.

Multiple cases have been registered in various police stations, including City, Newtown, Sadiqabad, and Waris Khan. Separate teams, led by Saba Sattar, have been tasked with investigating specific cases such as Case No 2831 at Newtown Police Station and Case No 1356 at Sadiqabad Police Station.

The investigation teams consist of officers from the Rawalpindi police, including Rawal SP, SDPO, SHO of the concerned police stations, investigating officers, and IT experts.

Additional teams have been established for cases in the Potohar division, covering Civil Lines, Taxila, and Naseerabad police stations, where PTI members were allegedly involved.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the investigation would target PTI's founder and other leaders under Section 109 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which addresses aiding and abetting illegal activities.

The police are also utilising CCTV footage and drones to identify and arrest those involved in the protests.

SSP Operations Hafiz Kamran Asghar will oversee the progress of these investigations, ensuring the timely processing of FIRs and the capture of suspects.