MANSEHRA: District police officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur on Friday suspended four officials of the Battal police station, including the station house officer, for allegedly committing corruption and aiding drug peddlers and timber smugglers in their crimes.

“I have suspended SHO Ijaz Ahmad, head constable Mohammad Ayaz and constables Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Khursheed after the preliminary inquiry confirmed their corruption and connivance with drug dealers and timber smugglers,” he told reporters.

Mr Gandapur said that the suspended police officials were told to report to the police lines.

He said that he received complaints that those officials received bribes for escorting drug traffickers and timber smugglers through the Karakoram Highway in the jurisdiction of the Battal police station.

The DPO said that he had formed a team led by Oghi superintendent of police Nazir Khan to conduct an inquiry against the suspended officials.

“If those officials are found guilty of the charges, they will be terminated, and an FIR will be registered against them,” he said.

Mr Gandapur said that the black sheep won’t be allowed to stay in the police department to shatter its public image.

“I launched several crackdowns on crimes since my posting here earlier this year, so how can I allow corrupt elements in my own department?”

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2024