Impending action: Crackdown ordered against land grabbers

Raids will be conducted in Ramazan; list of 130 suspects prepared

PESHAWAR: After the reported decline in terrorism-related incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, police have diverted their attention towards land grabbers and prepared a list of around 130 suspects. A crackdown is likely against the land mafia during Ramazan.

A Special Branch policeman, requesting anonymity, shared the names of land grabbers and said, “It was decided to take action against them last year. However, the attack on the Army Public School delayed these plans.”

The list was prepared in collaboration with the revenue department based on reports by intelligence officials. It includes 60 land grabbers in the city, 39 in the cantonment area and 30 in rural areas. These land grabbers, under the patronage of politicians, police officers and bureaucrats, deprived poor people of their property, said the policeman.

“No action could be taken against them in the past as they had close links with politicians, bureaucrats and police officers, including SHOs. But, law-enforcement agencies will take steps against these corrupt officials,” said the officer.

“Teams have been formed and a crackdown will be launched during Ramazan. The raids will be conducted without informing the relevant police station,” the officer said, adding suspects would be arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. Pictures of suspected land grabbers would be displayed at all police stations and their activities would be monitored inside and outside of jail.

“Police are to cooperate with complainants and help them get their property back through the legal procedure,” the officer said. When contacted, SSP Operations Dr Mian Saeed confirmed such a move was on the cards against the land mafia.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2015.