CSI Swat: Tracking system helps nab 10 high-profile criminals

Mingora city DSP says almost all stolen items recovered.

MINGORA:

Aided by modern technology, Swat police have arrested 10 high-profile criminals, said Mingora city DSP Yousuf Ali on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at Mingora police station, Ali informed the suspected robbers and thieves had been actively involved in many criminal activities. He, however, claimed catching the culprits was an easy task with the newly-inducted mobile tracking system.



“The criminals, caught by the police in several raids, have confessed to their crimes and almost everything they had stolen has been recovered from their possession,” revealed the DSP. “Apart from recovering jewellery and cash, we have also managed to obtain crucial information about other crime rings in Swat, against whom action will be taken soon,” he added.

Experts contend law enforcement agencies, including the police department, should immediately be equipped with modern technology. This will lead to greater efficiency and enhance their capability to curb all kinds of crimes.

Keeping this in mind, a laboratory has been established for the Swat police to trace culprits involved in illegal activity. “Previously, we faced a lot of hindrances in communicating data even in the same district. We had to write applications and file it with authorities concerned – a process that would often take months.

However, with the latest technology at our disposal, we receive call detail records (CDR) within minutes, allowing us to act swiftly,” shared investigation officer Rashid Iqbal. “If technological advancements are integrated at all police stations, crime rates in the district will decrease by a great extent.”

Lavishing praise on the newly-installed gadgets, the investigation officer claimed all ten culprits mentioned by DSP Ali were caught in a span of three days.

Juma Gul, a resident of Mingora who had arrived at the police station to identify the men who had robbed him, said: “Two days ago, three robbers broke into my house around midnight and stole Rs50,000 in cash along with gold jewellery.

They had disguised themselves as members of security forces, claiming that they were conducting a search operation. “Upon reaching the police station I immediately recognised the three men in custody of the police.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2014.