Karachi's East Zone Police are investigating a robbery of Rs. 1 crore 18 lakh (approximately $67,000 USD) allegedly committed by police officers themselves. The incident occurred four days ago near the Lyari Expressway within the jurisdiction of Sachal police station. A police patrol stopped and searched a vehicle, reportedly stealing the large sum of money before fleeing the scene. Sindh Inspector General (IG) Police, Rifat Mukhtar Raja, promptly took notice of the situation and ordered DIG East, Azfar Mahesar, to launch a full investigation. A robbery case has been registered against unknown individuals at Sachal police station. Evidence suggests the involvement of police officers and officials from Zaman Town police station in Korangi district. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, identified SHO Zaman Town, Rao Rafiq, police officer Karam, and police constable Zafar as suspects. The investigation reportedly uncovered technical evidence, including police mobile phone records, indicating that SHO Rafiq assigned the patrol vehicle to Karam and Zafar. These officers are suspected of stopping the vehicle and stealing the money.

The driver of the robbed vehicle claims to have informed Zafar about the large amount of cash he was carrying. This information is believed to have led the police party to target the vehicle. While the stolen money remains unrecovered, SSP Irfan Bahadur is tasked with retrieving it. The driver has provided a statement to the police. An investigator revealed that SHO Rafiq denies any involvement. However, both Karam and Zafar are unreachable as their phones are switched off. Raids on their residences haven't yielded significant results. Following the identification of the suspected police party, DIG East Azfar Mahesar, SHO Sachal Ghulam Hussain Korai, and the victim met with IG Sindh to discuss the situation. The mobile phone used during the alleged robbery has also been identified. In a positive development, authorities have removed SHO Zaman Town, Rao Rafiq, from his post and taken him into custody. SSP East, Irfan Bahadur, confirmed Rafiq's detainment and the ongoing investigation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)