RAWALPINDI: Taking notice of complaints by tourists about robberies in Murree, the city police officer (CPO) Rawalpindi suspended the station house officer (SHO) of Murree.

He also transferred the SHO of Mandra and ordered a departmental inquiry against both the officials.

The move by CPO Mohammad Faisal Rana came about after two robbery incidents in which tourists were robbed in Murree. The CPO had also received complaints from the local community against the SHO for alleged abuse of power and misconducts.

Hafeezur Rehman has been appointed as the in-charge of the Murree police station.

The CPO removed SHO Mandra Iftikhar for incompetence and appointed Israr Satti in his place.

He said Murree was an international picnic point and it was the responsibility of the police to provide security to the tourists. He said the new SHO of Murree should form a comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe environment for all tourists.

He said he had already issued directives for inquiries against the two police officers regarding the allegations leveled against them.

If the officials were found guilty, they would be punished as per the departmental rules.

Close monitoring of all field officers, including SHOs, has been initiated and those who performed well would be appreciated whereas anyone found involved in misconduct would be punished, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2019