Top cop punishes officials for 'negligence'

Action includes dismissals, demotions and arrests to improve performance

ISLAMABAD:

Islamabad Inspector General of Police, Syed Ali Nasser Rizvi, took strict action against officials of the federal police for professional negligence in duty, mishandling a murder investigation, alleged collusion leading to the escape of a suspect, and abuse of authority.

In a significant move, he removed the Principal of the Capital Police College, SP Tahir Khan, from his post. Additionally, two inspectors and a clerk from the Dolphin Police Unit were demoted by one rank, and a sub-inspector was arrested, with an order to file a case against him.

Sources revealed that IG Rizvi had convened a meeting with various officers from the federal police in his office late last night. During the meeting, he was informed that the newly established Capital Police College in Islamabad has the capacity to train 400 police officers and personnel, and that the necessary infrastructure and staff were available to make full use of the college. However, it was pointed out that only 100 officers and personnel were undergoing training, raising questions about the underutilisation of the college. Expressing his dissatisfaction, the IG demanded an explanation, stating that, with so many officers waiting for training, it was unacceptable that only a fraction were being trained. He described this as a case of professional negligence on the part of the college principal, leading to the immediate removal of SP Tahir Khan from his position, with instructions to report to the police lines.

Furthermore, IG Rizvi expressed strong displeasure over the handling of a murder case by Sub-Inspector Naeemul Hasan, a member of the CIA department. In the case, the accused had withdrawn his bail application in a murder case, yet Naeemul Hasan had allowed the suspect to escape. The IG ordered the immediate arrest of Sub-Inspector Naeemul Hasan and directed the filing of a case against him.

In a separate incident, two inspectors from the Dolphin Police Unit, Shakeel Ahmad and Zulfikar, were demoted to sub-inspectors due to alleged corruption, abuse of power, and violation of police discipline. Additionally, their colleague, Head Constable Ghulam Hussain, was demoted to Constable.

The IG also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of two DSPs, Ghulam Mustafa Dheri and Asrar Arain, and sought explanations from them. IG Rizvi warned all federal police officers that strict departmental accountability would continue in Islamabad police.

In a series of meetings held late into the night, he reviewed the performance of various officers in detail. He emphasised that any officer showing negligence in protecting citizens' lives and property would face severe departmental consequences. He urged all officers to brace themselves for increased accountability, stressing the importance of ensuring justice at the police station level and safeguarding citizens' rights.