For abductions: Criminals using militia uniforms

PESHAWAR:

When people in peril see somebody in uniform, they usually approach them for help. However, when the supposed protectors are not what they seem, matters can be complicated.

Recently, a man from Wazir Colony named Kifayatullah was one of the unlucky ones kidnapped by armed men in Frontier Constabulary (FC) uniforms. The reported reason was a money dispute and the man was whisked away to an undisclosed location.

Apart from using FC, khasadar and police uniforms, kidnappers also managed to use fake identity cards of intelligence agencies without drawing much attention. Even Afghan refugees were not spared. Last week, police arrested a kidnapper who attempted to abduct a refugee from the neighbouring country called Farid for a ransom of Rs0.1 million. However, when the latter raised hue and cry, police arrived and managed to rescue him and arrest a suspect named Kamal Jalal.

Kidnappers not only use uniforms and intelligence agency cards, but also blackmail tribespeople. They threaten to falsely accuse them of being militants if they failed to fork up the demanded amount.

“There are swindlers who seek out Afghan refugees and tribesmen. They claim to be from the intelligence or police and kidnap their victims to extract money,” a police official said. He maintained tribespeople have become vulnerable due to the crackdown against militants.

“There is a large-scale operation against militants so you can’t tell a real raid from a fake one. Thus criminals are cashing in on the situation,” he said, adding it was high time due attention was paid to eliminate these criminals.

In the past, dacoits wearing police uniforms used to enter the houses of people claiming a valid raid was taking place. After several daring robberies, the trend subsided in 2014 and law enforcers even arrested a gang of actual police employees who kidnapped people
for ransom.

“They kidnapped an Afghan refugee from Dabgari Gardens,” the official said. “Two friends were in a car when someone in police uniform approached and abducted them. “The friends did not suspect any foul play until they received a call for ransom. The group was finally tracked down and the kidnapped person was recovered by police,” he added. This trend has reemerged in the city. When contacted, a police official confirmed that militia uniform was being used by criminals in increasing numbers. “They are abundantly available as they are similar to government school uniforms,” he revealed. The officer added the only way out was to change the uniforms of FC and khasadar force or put an end to the practice.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2015.