In a significant crackdown on corruption within law enforcement, the Anti-Corruption Establishment of Lahore Region A has apprehended a police constable who was caught red-handed engaging in bribery and extortion.
The accused constable, identified as Hafiz Muhammad Usman Iftikhar, stationed at Manga Mandi, was arrested after a citizen, Mr. Ghulam Rasool, filed a complaint alleging that he had been coerced into paying a hefty sum to avoid false implication in a drug case.
According to Mr. Rasool's account, he was intercepted by Constable Usman and three other officers while returning home from his mobile shop.
Under the guise of a routine search, the officers demanded money from Mr. Rasool, threatening him with dire consequences if he failed to comply. Subsequently, they escorted him to an ATM on Airport Road, where Rs. 1,70,000 was withdrawn from his bank account, with an additional Rs. 75,000 promised to be transferred later.
Furthermore, Mr. Rasool recounted that the harassment didn't cease there. Constable Usman and his cohorts persistently demanded more money, even threatening Mr. Rasool's wife over the phone to extort further funds from the distressed couple.
Upon receiving the complaint, Regional Director of Anti-Corruption Lahore Region A, Khurram Pervez, swiftly ordered his team to take immediate action.
Consequently, Constable Usman was apprehended red-handed by the CO Anti-Corruption Lahore A, along with a magistrate, and the marked notes were recovered from him. A case has been registered against the accused, and investigations are underway.
