Court orders release of former SHO in embezzlement case

Ex-cop had been arrested over alleged misuse of authority, misappropriation of recovery funds

FAISALABAD:

A local court has discharged and ordered the release of a former Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansoorabad Police Station, who had been arrested on charges of negligence, misuse of authority, and alleged embezzlement of recovery money obtained from a suspect.

According to a police report submitted to Regional Police Officer (RPO) Faisalabad Zeeshan Asghar, complainant Shahid Saleem, in a case registered at Sargodha Road Police Station, accused former SHOs of Sargodha Road and Mansoorabad — Inspector Ali Imran Jappa and Sub-Inspector Muazzam Aslam Gujar — of recovering Rs15 million from an accused, Iftikhar, without handing the amount over to him.

Following the complaint, a discreet inquiry was ordered by senior police officials.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, Iftikhar, had indeed paid the recovered amount to police officers during the case proceedings.

Acting on these findings, City Police Officer (CPO) Faisalabad Sahibzada Bilal Umar directed SP Madina Town Jahandad to conduct a formal inquiry.

The inquiry report found former SHO Muazzam Aslam Gujar guilty of misconduct and misappropriation, leading to his immediate suspension and arrest.

A case was registered under Section 155-C of the Police Order 2002 on the complaint of Inspector Ali Imran Jappa, SHO Sargodha Road, and the accused officer was produced before a court for remand proceedings.

However, after reviewing the case record, the court discharged former SHO Muazzam Aslam Gujar from the case and ordered his immediate release.

CPO Sahibzada Bilal Umar stated that DSP Sargodha Road Riazuddin Gujar has been assigned to further investigate the matter and submit a fact-based report for departmental action.

Meanwhile, the suspended officer, Muazzam Aslam Gujar, denied all allegations, saying, "I have no connection with the recovery in question. I have not taken any money from any suspect. I am being targeted due to personal bias of a senior officer."

Police sources said departmental proceedings will continue based on the inquiry report and investigation findings.