Cop faces legal action for breaking into widow's house

Allegations turn out to be true during preliminary investigation

RAWALPINDI:

A case has been registered against a police officer and his accomplices for breaking into a widow's house in the area of Saddar Beruni, Rawalpindi, and assaulting her brother-in-law, as well as stealing cash and jewellery.

The incident came to light during an open court session, prompting the Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO), Khalid Hamdani, to take notice and arrest the police officer involved.

According to the police, the widow, Lubna Bibi, filed a case at Saddar Beruni police station, stating that she worked at a private school and lived with her brother-in-law. Her younger brother, Farhan, also lived on her property, overseeing its construction. Two months ago, her elder brother, Zubair, moved into the house as well.

Zubair was addicted to ice and frequently hosted Faisal, a police officer, and three others for drug use at the house.

On the night of March 11, several uniformed police officers, under the influence of drugs, climbed the wall and entered the house. Zubair, accompanied by Faisal, called the brother-in-law into a room, where they began assaulting him, tearing his clothes.

They then searched the house for valuables. Lubna Bibi reported that cash worth Rs0.1 and jewellery weighing 2.5 tolas, which she had saved for her daughter's marriage, were taken.

The police officers also damaged her property and physically abused the women and children present.

Lubna Bibi further claimed that the police officers had been threatening her family, saying they would destroy their lives or frame her brother-in-law in a drug-related case unless more money was provided.

In response to the open court complaint, CPO Khalid Hamdani ordered an inquiry, and upon initial investigation, the allegations were found to be true.