MARDAN, Oct 19: The newly-posted Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Liaquat Khan, has given and assurance that efforts will be made to root out social evils, corruption, encroachments and pledged that negligence of police will not be tolerated at any cost.

Talking to a delegation of Mardan Action Forum (MAF), headed by Syed Kamal Shah, the SSP said the area had been turned into a hub of criminal and social activities by some corrupt elements but he said they had no status in the society. He said these elements would be strictly checked and would not be allowed to pollute the peaceful atmosphere of the district. He sought people’s cooperation in this connection.

He expressed his concern that on the one hand the district was confronted with constant processions and agitations while on the other criminals had polluted the atmosphere. He however expressed resolute will that police would cope with the situation. He said the drugs, usury and gambling would be eliminated and their dens would be closed.

Syed Kamal Shah, the convener of the MAF, hoped that police would root out socials evils from the society and police department.

He informed the SSP that the crime rate in the district was surging.