September 22, 2002	Sunday	Rajab 14, 1423

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FAISALABAD, Sept 21: A strong contingent of police, backed by dozens of commandos of the elite force on Saturday, raided the central election office of a PPP candidate Dr Nisar Ahmad, NA-81, to track down, what police said, proclaimed offenders, illicit arms, narcotics, and find clues to a dacoity.

The police teams reportedly cordoned off all roads leading to the central election office of former MNA Ch. Muhammad Ilyas (father-in-law of the PPP candidate). Some of the police took positions on the rooftops of houses adjacent to the office.

All those present in the office were rounded up and the entire office was searched extensively.

During the raid, the police did not find any illicit weapon, proclaim offender or any suspect. The weapons which were found were said to be licensed.

In charge of the raiding team, DSP Hameed Khan Niazi, talking to Dawn confirmed the raid and contended that the raid had been initiated by IGP, Punjab.

This operation, he said was done to ensure that no weapons were displayed and used during elections, and to keep a check on proclaimed offenders who might take advantage of the electioneering and try to take refuge at the offices of high-profile candidates who had a history of killing and disputes with their opponents.

He further said that the police had information that some bandits, who had murdered a commission agent and looted Rs1 million in local green market a couple of days ago at the outhouse of a former MNA, were present at the election office.

He admitted that no objectionable material, weapons or wanted person were found during the raid.

He denied that the police had any ulterior motive behind the raid and that it was not done at the behest of his opponent.