A station house officer (SHO) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been suspended from service and charged in a criminal case for allegedly harassing a British-Kashmiri woman in Mirpur.
The woman had been directed by the divisional commissioner of Mirpur to visit Thothal police station for assistance with a property possession issue. However, when she contacted SHO Chaudhry Imran Ahmed, he offered to personally pick her up from her residence.
During the ride in the SHO’s vehicle, the woman repeatedly resisted inappropriate advances from the SHO, who allegedly attempted to exploit the situation for personal gratification.
According to sources, an audio recording made by the victim captured the SHO, apparently intoxicated, pressuring her to sit in the front seat, remove her abaya, befriend him, and visit his home, while making several other lewd demands.
The recording was reportedly brought to the attention of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rana Abdul Jabbar on February 21. The IGP summoned the SHO to headquarters and instructed SSP Mirpur Khawar Shaukat Ali to conduct a preliminary investigation.
A police department spokesperson confirmed the inquiry corroborated the harassment claims, leading to the filing of a criminal case against the SHO. He was also suspended from his duties pending further orders, and separate departmental proceedings have been initiated.
The spokesperson emphasized that strict disciplinary action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry and reiterated the police department's zero-tolerance policy on harassment, particularly involving women. He made it clear that any individual, regardless of their position within the police force, would face legal action if involved in illegal or criminal activities.
Complaints of harassment against women would be addressed with the utmost seriousness, and strict disciplinary and criminal measures would be enforced against any police personnel or officers found guilty, the spokesperson added. Ensuring the safety and protection of women remains a top priority.