May 25, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1429

ISLAMABAD, May 24: Six constables of Diplomatic Protection Department have been arrested for their alleged involvement in robberies, police said on Saturday.

The constables of VVIP routes, who lived in flats behind the Crime Investigation Agency at I-9/4, used to rob people during night in plainclothes and in uniform too.

They also demanded bribe from people after intercepting them in different areas, claiming that they were in search of suspects.

The involvement of the police constables in robberies came to light when two citizens registered complaints with the Industrial Area police against unidentified culprits.

One of the complainants told the police that three persons intercepted him at I-9/1 and snatched his cellphone on May 19. The culprits also thrashed and injured him when he put up resistance.

The victim said he was subjected to severe torture and his teeth were broken during the incident.

Likewise, four persons snatched a cellphone and Rs8,400 cash from another citizen at the same area the same day.

During investigation of the cases, the police found the involvement of the police personnel in the crime and arrested the six constables while one of their accomplices escaped.

The accused used to threaten their victims of dire consequences in case they reported the matter to anyone, the police said, adding they asked them not to contact the police as they also belonged to the same department.

The police said the accused were involved in the illegal practice since long but only two cases had been registered against them.

Further investigations are in progress to find their involvement in other activities. The police said the arrested accused had been inducted in the police two to three years ago.

The accused were produced in the court of law which gave them in police custody for two days’ physical remand.

Meanwhile, a 1998 model car was stolen from Khurshid Market, F-10/1.