LAHORE, May 27: Two FIA officials have reportedly been found guilty of harassing a woman for allegedly giving illegal protection to Russian girls. Sources told Dawn on Friday that FIA Assistant Director Gohar Sarfraz and inspector (legal) Munawar Iqbal Ranjha of the passport circle (Lahore) raided the house of Nadra Begum, alias Hina Khan, at the Canal View Housing Society on information that she had illegally given shelter to some Russian girls.

Sources said the officers asked Ms Khan to produce immigration papers of the foreigners staying with her, but she could not do so. However, Ms Khan and the officials allegedly struck a deal and the matter was resolved.

They said Ms Khan, later, filed an application with the FIA director-general alleging that the two officers harassed them and also extorted money. Ms Khan, they said, ran a brothel.

The DG appointed Special Investigation Unit Deputy Director Safdar Malik an inquiry officer. Both officers have been transferred and directed to report to the FIA headquarters in Islamabad in the light of the inquiry report, which declared them guilty.

Sources said the inquiry officer had conducted the preliminary inquiry and the director of Lahore would further investigate the matter. However, the suspects denied having harassed the women and pocketing money.

They said Gohar Sarfraz, who had joined the FIA on deputation last year, would be sent back to his parent department (Airport Security Force) after the completion of the inquiry.

A senior officer of the FIA told this reporter that those who joined the agency on deputation were keen on making some bucks fast. He suggested that a special committee should be constituted to place officers on deputation, especially in the immigration and passport wings.—ZULQERNAIN TAHIR