Police lapses in 'drug queenpin' arrest sparks controversy

A series of glaring police lapses in the arrest of alleged drug queenpin Anmol, alias Pinky, has triggered embarrassment for law enforcers, raising serious questions about procedural integrity and professionalism. What was projected as a high-profile arrest has now spiralled into controversy, with inconsistencies in the official record and visible mishandling during court proceedings.

According to the FIR, Pinky was arrested from Flat No 306, Bilal Arcade, located near Faqeeri Masjid in Garden West. However, the document failed to specify the phase of the residential complex, which comprises five separate phases, raising questions over the accuracy of the police version.

Subsequent inquiries revealed that the arrest was purportedly made from Phase II of Bilal Arcade. The development triggered strong reactions from residents, who complained of reputational damage following extensive media coverage of the incident.

Union representatives of Bilal Arcade Phase II told The Express Tribune that the building had been subjected to undue scrutiny after the news broke, with media persons gathering outside the premises. They said the situation caused distress among residents and unfairly linked the apartment complex to criminal activity.

Following the backlash, union office-bearers along with the flat owner, identified as Saleem, approached officials at Garden police station. Police officers reportedly acknowledged the lapse and issued an apology, while also requesting the residents not to engage with the media and to restrict journalists' access to the building.

The apartment owner and his tenant maintained that they had no knowledge of the accused. The tenant, a woman who has been residing in the flat for the past eight years, said Pinky had never visited the premises nor had she been seen in the locality.