Lahore cop arrested for repeated robberies

LAHORE:

A serving sub-inspector of Lahore police has been handed over to the Crime Control Department (CCD) after being arrested for allegedly carrying out multiple armed robberies — all targeting the same victim in Shahdara.

Police sources identified the accused as Sub-Inspector Ammar, who was posted at the Operations Wing of New Anarkali Police Station.

He was taken into custody on October 27, after CCTV footage emerged showing him — masked and armed — robbing a local businessman in Islamia Colony, Shahdara.

The video, which went viral on social media, depicts Ammar snatching a bag of cash from Imran Haider, while his accomplice waited nearby on a motorbike.

Investigators said this was the fourth robbery allegedly orchestrated by the same duo against the same victim, with total losses exceeding Rs1.7 million.

The most recent incident occurred on October 18, when the robbers looted Rs477,000 at gunpoint.

Following public outrage over the viral clip, SP City ordered a special investigation team. Acting on intelligence and technical tracing, the team — with assistance from Masti Gate police — arrested Ammar without resistance.

After preliminary interrogation, he was transferred to the CCD for further questioning and evidence recovery.

Sources said CCD investigators are now probing Ammar's possible links to other street crimes across Lahore.

A forensic examination of his mobile phone, service weapon, and other evidence is underway, while raids continue to apprehend his absconding accomplice, described as a habitual offender.

Police intend to produce the accused before a magistrate once the initial probe concludes.

The revelations have triggered widespread outrage on social media, with users condemning the involvement of a serving officer in repeated robberies and calling for strict departmental accountability.