ISLAMABAD: The officials of the Dolphin Squad of the capital police have been warned against engaging in illegal activities as some of its personnel were found involved in criminal activities, like robberies, snatchings and colluding with drug peddlers.

A few police officers told Dawn that a “warning” to the Dolphin Squad was issued after an incident occurred in which three officials of Islamabad police abducted two persons from a hotel on Srinagar Highway, took them to G-13, and released them after looting Rs4 million in cash from them, which they used to buy a car.

Additionally, there were also several complaints regarding misbehaviour, abuse, and manhandling against them, the officers added.

The officials of the Dolphin Squad have also been told not to stop or intercept vehicles with tinted glasses or fancy registration plates and that before intercepting any vehicle, the officials are supposed to inform the concerned officer first and act as per the directive taken from them.

During duty, the officials are to only stop or intercept motorcyclists, they said, adding that during checking, they should take photos of the motorcyclist, chassis number, and CNIC, and besides, they have to get the mobile number of the motorcyclist.

The officials should also not perform their duty without a name plate; besides, on duty, they cannot wear a mask, the officers said.

There would be strict action against the officials in case of crime in their beat; besides, a show cause notice would also be served to all the team members, they said, adding that the responsibility of the Dolphin Squad is to prevent dacoity, robbery, and snatching and to respond to emergency calls.

The PRO for the police was approached for comments, but he did not responded to repeated calls.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2024