ISLAMABAD: The capital police on Wednesday increased the cost of investigation of different crimes, keeping in view rising inflation, sources told Dawn.

Besides, the capital police also cleared the outstanding dues of Punjab Forensic Science Agency and after a fresh agreement, the agency will send bill monthly instead of charging fee from the policeman coming to submit samples for examination and analysis.

Officials of the capital police told Dawn that the cost of murder investigation increased to Rs70,000 from Rs30,000, murder attempt Rs40,000 from Rs20,000, cost of injury cases Rs25,000 from Rs10,000, kidnapping for ransom Rs70,000 from Rs50,000, kidnapping rape Rs50,000 from Rs30,000, and brawl/hurt Rs30,000 from Rs15,000.

Likewise, the investigation cost of dacoity cases increased to Rs60,000 from Rs40,000, robbery Rs50,000 from Rs30,000, theft Rs30,000 from Rs5,000, vehicle (four wheelers) snatching Rs50,000 from Rs20,000, and motorcycle theft Rs25,000 from Rs15,000, the officials said, adding that cost of investigation of arms, drugs, miscellaneous and local and special law cases were also revised.

Besides, the investigators are also informed that the amount would be reimbursed to them if the cost of investigation is exceeded to the allocated cost, the officials said, adding that the SPs, senior superintendent of police and Deputy Inspector General of Police were authorised to reimburse 20, 30 and 40 percent exceeded amount to the investigator.

The capital police also paid Rs11,386,400 to PFSA the outstanding bills for the period of the last three years, the officials said adding that earlier the capital police convinced the agency to charge the fee on monthly basis from them instead of those who bringing samples for analysis in early 2018.

An amount of Rs30.8 million was reserved for the Investigation Wing of the capital police in the last Budget (2021-2022).

Out of the total amount, Rs27.5millions were allocated for running expenses, including Rs1 million for communication, Rs2.5 million for utilities, Rs10.8 million for travel and transportation, Rs13.1 million for general.

Besides, an amount of Rs6.5 million was also allocated for each police station in the previous budget.

Out of the total Rs5.2 million were reserved for operating expenses, including Rs200,000 for communication, Rs2.4million for Utilities, Rs820,000 for travel and transport, Rs1.7million for general. Likewise, Rs1million were allocated for repair and maintenance, including Rs500,000 for transport, Rs300,000 for machinery and equipment, Rs160,000 for furniture and fixture, and Rs100,000 for computer equipment.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2022