Cops extorting 'Eidi' face charge of beggary

Action taken over complaints by motorists, pedestrians

LAHORE:

Police have registered cases against several officials serving in Lahore for allegedly extorting "Eidi" from citizens in Shahdara and Islampura.

According to officials, two First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged under Section 155-C of the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance 1958 against the officials for indulging in begging and tarnishing the image of the department.

In the FIR registered at Shahdara police station, the complainant, SI Toqeer, reported that on May 20 at around 11:30pm, constables deployed as security guards at Barkat Town stopped pedestrians and vehicles and demanded cash for Eid. Constable Dilawar Khan, Muhammad Shahid, Ali Murtaza and Muhammad Rehan were nominated in the case.

A citizen, Muhammad Farooq, of Green Town, told the police that the officials had stopped him and forcibly taken Rs6,500 from him as Eid gift.

The nominated personnel are currently absconding, according to the FIR.

In the FIR registered at Islampura police station, officials under the supervision of SI Muhammad Noman Naeem were accused of a similar offence.

Following a complaint, an inquiry was conducted by the SDPO, which confirmed the allegation.

"Those who damage the reputation of the police department by begging in the name of Eidi will face strict legal and departmental action," a spokesperson said.