SIALKOT, Jan 21: Gujranwala Regional Police Officer Additional IG Malik Muhammad Iqbal has expressed his dismay and grave concern over the failure of Sialkot district police in arresting a large number of proclaimed offenders and court absconders.

Addressing a high level meeting of senior officials, SDPOs and SHOs at Sialkot DPO’s conference room late on Saturday, the AIG said he had learnt that several police officials were patronising these criminals at every level. He said action would be taken against those police officials, who were found reluctant to arrest criminals. He said about 3,600 POs and court absconders were at large.

Expressing concern over the Friday triple murder incident, he suspended Begowala incharge investigation cell SI Rai Muneer.

He directed the Daska police to ensure early arrest of the murder accused in the case.

On Friday, Begowala UC nazim Irshad Ahmad and others had allegedly killed their three rivals near Daska degree college to avenge the murder of the then UC nazim, Azmatullah Warraich two years back. Daska police have registered a triple murder case against 16 accused.

Criticising patrolling plan and performance of investigation cells at Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial and Pasrur tehsils, the AIG directed senior officials to ensure their presence on spots of heinous crimes.

Mr Iqbal said he had learnt that officials deputed at investigation and operation cells used to receive bribe. He ordered senior officers to keep a check on these cells.

He also criticised tout system and vowed to eradicate it from police stations of Gujranwala region.

Meanwhile, the AIG, during a special meeting on Sunday, reviewed a security plan chalked out by the Sialkot police to ensure peace during Muharram.

He was told that security had been tightened at all trouble spots, mosques, imambargahs and procession routes in the district while 30 urban and rural areas had been declared sensitive.