Ex-education authority chief held for 'corruption'

Arrest, made in 'humiliating' manner, sparks outrage among education officials

RAWALPINDI:

Officials from the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) formally arrested the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rawalpindi District Education Authority, Amanullah Cheema, 19 hours after being taken into custody in connection with an embezzlement case. The department's cashier, Arshad, was also arrested as a co-accused in the case.

Despite being a Grade-19 senior officer, Cheema was reportedly arrested in a humiliating and unprofessional manner, dragged from a basic office without a registered FIR. Initially, he was detained based only on a plain-paper inquiry request. An FIR was registered 18 hours later, allegedly after internal manoeuvring.

Due to the delay in filing the FIR, no physical remand could be sought on Sunday, and the authorities had to cancel their decision to present him before the duty judge.

Now, both accused are set to appear before the special Anti-Corruption Court (ATC) today (Monday) to request physical remand.

The absence of an FIR and the manner of arrest have caused resentment and unrest among education officers, principals, and headmasters. No one was allowed to meet the arrested officials until Sunday. Even when District and Tehsil Education Officers visited the Anti-Corruption office to inquire about the matter, the investigating officer prevented their meeting and began questioning them about corruption-related issues as well.

The entire Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Department team remained active through Saturday night and all day Sunday, searching the offices of the Education Department, including the CEO's office. They turned over drawers, shelves, and files but reportedly found no concrete evidence. Still, they confiscated all files and records from the CEO's office and took them away for further scrutiny.

Cheema faces allegations of embezzling Rs8 million, primarily for purchasing furniture and stationery without following tender procedures, allegedly causing a loss to the public exchequer. In response, a legal team of senior lawyers has been assembled to defend the former officer.

During the inquiry that continued from Saturday night through Sunday (10am to 2pm), the arrested education officer categorically denied all charges.

Meanwhile, a new CEO has arrived from Sheikhupura to take over responsibilities in Rawalpindi. He formally assumed official charge on Sunday and is expected to take administrative charge at the office today (Monday).

This arrest is expected to lead to major political, administrative, and financial revelations in the coming days.