LAHORE: Punjab police authorities on Monday ordered a massive crackdown on criminals for arrest of the top 20 gangsters in each district who were reportedly patronising crime all over the province.
The action was ordered by Inspector General of Police retired Capt Arif Nawaz while addressing regional police officers through video link at the Central Police Office.
The IG set July 10 deadline for the arrest of these criminals, seeking submission of reports, says a police handout.
The order was given in the light of criminal record of such influential gangsters who had been patronising robbers and other criminals, by providing them shelter. They were also found involved in illegally occupying properties or supporting the land mafias in their respective areas.
Earlier, the IGP had ordered the RPOs and DPOs to prepare lists of top 20 gangsters and thugs in their respective districts and submit to him the same with their criminal record.
After obtaining the lists, the IGP called the meeting on Monday, discussed the lists dispatched by the DPOs, devised a strategy and issued orders to initiate crackdown on the suspects.
Terming it a challenging task, the IGP said these criminals had been creating a sense of insecurity among the public.
“It is the right time to take them (gangsters) to the court of law”, he said. He also hinted at strict departmental action against some senior police officers for not taking effective action against the gangsters as per the policy.
On the occasion, the IGP also ordered his subordinates to show zero tolerance for the extortionists who were depriving citizens, especially the businessmen, of their money and properties and arrest them during the drive.
He directed all officers to improve their intelligence network and increase field visits to monitor the performance of the police personnel and check security arrangements.
(Daily Dawn)
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