25 January 2005	Tuesday	14 Zilhaj 1425

LAHORE, Jan 24: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Monday ordered suspension from service of 21 police officials, including a DSP and an SHO.

Special Monitoring Cell In-charge Haji Muhammad Nawaz under directions from the CM conducted an inquiry and found the policemen guilty of misusing their powers and trespassing. He submitted his report to the CM, who ordered the suspension and more action in view of the report.

Expatriate Altaf Malik had lodged a complaint with the CM, stating that he was visiting his family when a police party raided his house some weeks ago. The police team were looking for Asad Malik, alleging that he was involved in a robbery.

The police team attempted to break the main gate of his house and, later, trespassed on the house by scaling the walls. They roughed up and abused the inmates. They allegedly picked up one of the family members and drove him to an unidentified place and tortured him.

Issuing the orders, the CM said that the police had not made positive changes in their working despite having been given all facilities. The policemen who would cross the limits of their powers should be ready for strict action against them, he added.

Those suspended from service included Township DSP Rana Azeem, Green Town police SHO Husain Haider and 19 other officials. They have been asked to join the probe.