159 held for attending horse race

Rawalpindi: In a crackdown, as many as 159 people including police officials were arrested for betting on horse race in the limits of Sadar Beiruni police station here on Wednesday.

Former chairman Amarpura Raja Shahid alias Papu, Incharge Chowki Raniyal Imtiaz Hussain and entire staff of police Chowki Raniyal were patronising the Horses Race at a residential housing society with mutual connivance.

CPO Rawalpindi DIG Muhammad Ahsan Younis on tip of news had assigned a special police team to raid at the venue of horse race in the limits of Sadar Beiruni police station here early on Wednesday.

During police raid as many as 159 people including eight minors were taken into custody including police officials of Raniyal police Chowki. Taking into custody, cases have been filed against 151 people while eight children present at the venue were handed over to their parents by taking surety bonds.

During police raid, both the patronisers of horse race including Raja Shahid and Incharge Chowki Raniyal Imtiaz Hussain and Moharar Arshad Hussein also arrested from the race venue. CPO also suspended SHO (Sadar Beiruni) and entire staff of Chowki Raniyal for supporting the gamblers of horse race.

Police also recovered Rs259,580 and 160 mobiles, 15 vehicles, 25 motorcycle, one 9mm pistol and other gambling tools from the venue of horse racing. Police registered case against the detainee culprits under sections of gambling.

Sources revealed that Horse race was being held at Al-Haram City with connivance of police and Former Chairman Amarpura Raja Shahid. Police was supporting the gamblers by minting money. On instructions of CPO Rawalpindi DIG Muhammad Ahsan Younis, a grand operation was conducted here on Wednesday and all the gamblers were arrested red handedly including police officials patronizing the gamblers.

CPO Rawalpindi DIG Muhammad Ahsan Younis stated that stern action would be taken against criminals within police force adding that strict departmental action is being directed against Chowki Incharge Raniyal Imtiaz Hussain and Moharar Arshad Hussein.

Meanwhile, SSP (investigation) Muhammad Faisal taking notice of police connivance with horse race gamblers suspend SHO (Sadar Beiruni) police and also suspended the entire staff of Raniyal police Chowki with charge sheet for SHO.