Two police officials arrested for looting citizens

RAWALPINDI: Two police officials were arrested for allegedly looting citizens en route to the New Islamabad International Airport.

According to a complaint filed at Dhamial Police Station, Zabihullah, a resident of Abbottabad, reported that driver Yaqoob was taking guests to the airport when Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Atif and Constable Zubair stopped them near Thalian.

He said that the police officials allegedly searched them, seized an expensive mobile phone and two packets of Multani halwa, and then took them to a forested area and demanded Rs200,000 for their release.

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According to the complaint, Yaqoob paid Rs20,000 in cash while another Rs50,000 was withdrawn from an airport ATM and handed over to ASI Atif, who also allegedly accompanied a guest inside the booth.

He said that Yaqoob was confined in a room under Constable Zubair’s guard, during which another phone was snatched from him.

The guests were released who later departed for Dubai.

Zabihullah said that on May 2, when he attempted to take a photograph of the said police officials, they reportedly assaulted him and tore his clothes. He escaped and called the police helpline. Following the incident, the accused officers transferred Rs16,000 to the complainant via EasyPaisa.

Police said that a case has been registered under Sections 382 (theft after preparation), 342 (wrongful confinement), and relevant clauses of the Police Order.

Police confirmed that ASI Atif and Constable Zubair have been arrested, while a search is under way for the arrest of a third suspect.