RAWALPINDI, Oct 10: Three policemen, who were practising quackery in their barrack in the Police Lines, have been transferred on the orders of District Police Officer (DPO) Rawalpindi Saud Aziz.

The adage “Nearer the Church farther from God” rings true for the three “quack cops” — Sub-Inspector Nizam Deen and constables Nisar and Pervez — who had not only perfected the “invaluable techniques” long associated with the trade, but also made innovations of their own.

Their candle-lit barrack adorned with the photograph of their patron and chief quake, also a former constable dismissed from service and currently practising in Bhara Kahu, had all the trappings of the business to attract people. Their ‘clients’ included people escorted by private security guards armed with sophisticated weapons. “We were stunned on seeing visitors equipped with weapons entering Police Lines where civilians have no business,” a policeman said.

A source close to the three policemen said they had grown their hair despite the fact that the police code of discipline prohibited them from doing so. They had been practising for the last two years, but no senior officer ever checked them, he added.

However, on getting information, the DPO sent security personnel in plain clothes to confirm the reports. And, after the information proved true, the DPO immediately transferred the SI to Chuntra, and the two constables to Kotli Sattian and Gujar Khan with immediate effect.