Catch and release: In Pindi, 3,200 POs on the lam

Rawalpindi RPO says operations against proclaimed offenders under way.

RAWALPINDI:

Over 3,200 criminals are on the run in the district, according to data collected from various police stations in the district.

These proclaimed offenders (POs) are alleged to be involved in crimes ranging from terrorism to murder and robbery to kidnapping for ransom. However, despite declaring these offenders a “danger to the society”, the Rawalpindi police seem in no hurry to clamp down on them.

Data reveals that there are 3,260 POs in the district ---760 of whom have been declared “most wanted”.

Police sources said that despite the heinous nature of the crimes they are accused of, some POs continue to enjoy the support of influential people.

A retired police officer asking not to be named said that number of offenders could be higher as subordinate staff try to cover up the figures while presenting records.



Sources said that the police deliberately avoid arresting these criminals as the police and POs enjoy ‘friendly’ relations, a charge denied by the police. According to the sources, bribe could be a major factor as in many cases, the police stop looking for POs after receiving ‘a suitable gift’.

Data also reveals that as many as 610 proclaimed offenders are wanted by New Town circle, 200 by City circle, 185 by Waris Khan circle, 662 by Cantonment circle, 537 by Civil Line circle, 330 by Taxila circle, 300 by Saddar circle, 225 by Gujar Khan circle and 100 by Kahuta circle.

Sources said POs might be a factor in the increasing crime rate, adding that some of the POs could be seen roaming the city with high-end weapons.

Regional Police Officer Umar Akhtar Hayat Lalika confirmed the figures collected by The Express Tribune. He said various operations were underway against the offenders across the district, adding that during the last one and a half month, the police managed to arrest around 450 POs.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2014.