The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday expressed strong displeasure over discrepancies in police records during the hearing of a case related to the non-recovery of a kidnapped person. Justice Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh presided over the bench hearing the petition of Alia Shahzadi.
Gujranwala Regional Police Officer Khurram Shahzad, CPO Dr Ghiyas Gul and a law officer of the Punjab government appeared in court. The court noted major inconsistencies in the recorded age of the accused. While the FIR listed the age as 25–27 years, the supplementary statement mentioned 45–50 years, and the petitioner claimed the actual age is 59 years. Justice Sheikh remarked on the “clear difference between the ages of 25, 45 and 50 years” and questioned how such discrepancies could be ignored.
During the proceedings, CPO Dr. Ghiyas Gul informed the court that the stolen motorcycle involved in the case was recovered from the accused on February 3. RPO Khurram Shahzad claimed the accused had a previous record with nine registered cases, but the Assistant Advocate General clarified that the accused had been discharged in one case and acquitted in the remaining eight. When questioned, the RPO admitted that an acquitted person cannot be considered a previous record holder.
The court also inquired about the RPO’s educational qualifications, to which he stated that he holds an MPhil in International Relations. On disciplinary actions, CPO Dr. Ghiyas Gul confirmed that the concerned SHO had been given major departmental punishment and two annual promotions had been halted.
Expressing concern over the inconsistencies in police records and statements, Justice Sheikh ordered the Gujranwala police to submit a detailed progress report in the next hearing to clarify the situation and ensure proper investigation.
Reporter: Malik Ashraf