Custody escapes to draw ATA cases
CPO warns of strict action, issues guidelines on prisoner security, court appearances
Concerns over suspects fleeing police custody have prompted Rawalpindi City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera to issue comprehensive guidelines to district police. Sukhera warned that officers found accountable for future custody escapes could face prosecution under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with no room for leniency. He emphasized that bribery would not be tolerated and urged police personnel to eschew actions that could tarnish their reputation, their families', or the force's standing.
During a meeting at Police Lines Headquarters, attended by senior officials, Sukhera reiterated that any escape of a suspect or prisoner from custody would not be tolerated, with strict action under the Anti-Terrorism Act reserved for those responsible. He also directed that illegal detention at police stations and lock-ups would not be allowed.
Officers responsible for presenting a suspect before a court would have to personally bring the individual to court, while no officer would be permitted to hand over another officer's suspect. If an officer failed to personally produce a suspect, the station muharrar would inform the SSP Operations directly. The CPO stressed that police rules and standard operating procedures must be strictly adhered to when taking a suspect out of a station lock-up.
Suspects should be handcuffed appropriately, with ropes, iron chains, or similar restraints prohibited. The station muharrar would arrange the necessary personnel, with additional help requisitioned from senior officers if needed. A separate constable would accompany the handcuffed suspect, while armed police personnel would be deployed separately.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
