Punjab’s investigation system has come under scrutiny after police data revealed that no accused received a death sentence during the past one and a half years despite more than 16,000 serious criminal cases being registered during the period.
According to police data, the Investigation Headquarters has compiled and submitted a report to the Inspector General (IG) Punjab’s office regarding cases in which death sentences were expected.
The data shows that 16,039 cases involving serious crimes were registered during the 18-month period, with more than 51,800 suspects nominated and over 31,600 arrested.
However, only 127 cases resulted in different convictions, while no accused was awarded the death penalty during the period.
In cases of gang rape, 2,798 cases were registered. Police cancelled 389 cases, completed challans in 4,806 cases, while 133 cases remained untraced and 608 were still under investigation. A total of 19,582 suspects were nominated, of whom 14,340 were arrested. Convictions were secured in six cases, while accused persons in 468 cases were acquitted.
Meanwhile, 6,504 rape cases were registered. Police cancelled 1,468 cases and completed challans in 4,602 cases. Six cases remained untraced, while 426 cases were still under investigation. A total of 9,781 suspects were nominated and 8,304 were arrested.
In kidnapping-for-ransom cases, 106 cases were registered, with 31 cases cancelled and challans completed in 68 cases. Two cases remained untraced and seven were under investigation. As many as 365 suspects were nominated and 241 were arrested, while convictions were secured in 38 cases.
Overall, police data indicates that 133 cases remained untraced, while 608 cases were under investigation. More than 19,500 suspects were involved in the cases covered by the relevant category, with over 14,300 arrests made. Convictions were secured in 90 cases, while accused persons in 543 cases were acquitted.
Police officials have stressed the need to improve the investigation mechanism and provide investigating officers with training according to modern requirements to strengthen the prosecution of serious criminal cases.
Reporter: Ali Sahi