ISLAMABAD: The capital police have ordered an inquiry into a scuffle that broke out between two police officials and an army man at a picket on Monday evening.

A senior police officer and two sources in the police confirmed to Dawn that an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the capital police and an official of the traffic police have been suspended over the incident.

They said a car reached the picket on the road to Dama-i-Koh before Iftar on Monday. The police officials told occupants of the car that restrictions had been imposed on visiting tourist spots to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The man driving the car introduced himself as an army major stationed at the GHQ. He told the policemen that they were going uphill for Iftar. But the police did not allow them to proceed.

After a brief argument, the major told the police that they would break the fast on the roadside near the picket.

In the meantime, a Vigo reached the spot which was also stopped but then allowed to move ahead.

The police officer said the occupants of the Vigo were allowed after checking their identity cards as they were residents of a village located in the Margalla Hills.

But the army major raised an objection and entered into heated arguments with the ASI which led to the scuffle.

Later, the issue was brought in the knowledge of senior officers after which the ASI and an traffic official were suspended and an inquiry launched against them.

When contacted, director media and assistant superintendent of police (operations) Mohammad Usman Tipu told Dawn that the police officials were removed from their duty points. They are not suspended as an inquiry against them is yet to be completed.

He said the inspector general of police (IGP) has ordered an inquiry to establish the facts and fix responsibility.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2021