‘Privileged’ PO dodges RY Khan police chief

LAHORE: A privileged proclaimed offender (PO) of Punjab Police once again dodged the Rahim Yar Khan district police officer (DPO) on Monday by not appearing before him, though he had promised to do so soon after his arrest on Feb 20.

DPO Umar F Salamat seems to be in an awkward position as the PO had first pledged to appear before him on Thursday, then on Friday, and finally on Monday. But he did not turn up, surprising the DPO further by his influence.

Col (retd) Asif Khan was declared a PO by the court in a case (FIR No 4/18) registered at City Khanpur Police Station under sections 420 and 406 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Investigation Officer (IO) Shabbir Nadeem had managed to arrest him on Wednesday last from outside Model Town Court, but he used his influence and got himself released. More interestingly, Lahore Police protected itself from the criminal offence by registering his arrest through a report No 7 in the daily diary. However, the IO, who is being made a scapegoat, was ordered by DPO RY Khan to release the PO after getting a written undertaking from him, as he had no option but to do so after receiving an authoritative call.

The PO, who had already violated a number of pledges with the complainants of three FIRs, once again considered it better not to appear before the DPO. The DPO was hopeful that he would appear before him on Monday, but he didn’t.

The News contacted the DPO, who said that police had called him and he told the police that he would leave for Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday (today). Sources said the PO would try to apply for bail in the morning and then appear before the DPO. In case he failed to secure bail, then either he will disappear from the district once again or he would surrender to the DPO for investigation, though its chances are slim.

DPO Umar, to a query, said if he did not appear before him, the law will take its course. Director Public Relations to IGP Nabeela Ghazanfar was also asked about IGP's stance over the release of a PO despite his claims about bringing reforms in the police culture. She preferred staying quite over the issue till Monday.