SARGODHA, March 22: Some four dozen people from various villages staged a demonstration in front of Sargodha DPO office to protest against rising crime rate in the area. They complained that criminals were freely striking in the jurisdiction of Bhagtanwala, Kotmomen and Saddar police stations. The protesters alleged that certain influential people enjoying backing of the ruling PML were patronizing the criminal elements and police seemed helpless. They claimed that these ‘political figures’ interfered in the transfers and postings of police officials and exercised their clout to protect anti-social elements.

The DPO assured the protesters that the SHOs concerned had been directed to enhance night patrolling and directed the DSPs of Kotmomen and Saddar sub-divisions to submit reports of their working daily.

The DPO also awarded certificates to Skindar Shah, Malik Muhammad Skindar and Asif Shah for overpowering robbers during a dacoity bid.

The DPO, when contacted, claimed that most SHOs had been appointed on merit, and no political influence was involved.

CATTLE THEFT: Punjab Irrigation Minister Chaudhry Aamer Sultan Cheema has expressed concern over an increase in incidents of cattle theft in the rural areas of the district.

Most of these incidents have been reported in Moazamabad, Tangowali, Chak No 82-NB and adjoining villages.

The minister said that police alone could not control crime unless people helped the law-enforcing agencies in maintaining law and order.

He appreciated the villagers who foiled a highway robbery bid and overpowered the bandits. The minister assured the villagers that incidents of cattle theft would be checked. DPO Muhammad Naem Khan, taking notice of the situation, ordered a police checkpoint near Chokera in the jurisdiction of Saddar police station to curtail the incidents of robberies.