PESHAWAR: Police have received hundreds of applications from complainants against land mafia and influential individuals who allegedly grabbed their properties or defrauded them of money over the past few years, it was learnt.
A large number of people have approached Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mian Saeed Ahmad and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Farhan Khan, accusing land mafias and other influential individuals of unlawfully occupying their properties over the years. Police chiefs in other districts have also received similar applications during the past few weeks.
Scores of these complaints have been forwarded to the relevant superintendents of police (SPs) and station house officers (SHOs) in Peshawar over the last month with instructions to thoroughly probe the allegations and take action where crimes are established. In several cases, police action resulted in the recovery of properties and their return to the rightful owners.
This is the first time police have taken direct action on such complaints, which were previously sent to courts or referred to dispute resolution councils. Officials say these councils also need reforms and revival to function effectively as they did in the past.
Besides land mafia cases, several complainants have approached the CCPO and other senior officers regarding property and monetary disputes involving relatives, business partners, and others. Some of these cases have already been resolved.
Many of the applications received by police pertained to financial and land disputes involving amounts ranging from tens of thousands of rupees to hundreds of millions.
However, some complainants alleged that the response of SPs, DSPs, and SHOs has remained poor despite the cases being referred by the CCPO or SSP Operations with directions for prompt action. They said officers at lower ranks must be directed to handle these cases with the same level of seriousness and commitment.
Over the past few weeks, several criminals involved in land grabbing and public harassment have been killed in encounters, while others have been arrested. Some suspects reportedly fled the city to evade police action.
The CCPO has conveyed that anyone feeling threatened by land mafia members and criminals should approach the offices of the CCPO or SSP Operations. He said police would take action against anyone challenging the writ of the state or threatening citizens.
All police officers in the provincial capital have been tasked with taking action against land mafias, armed individuals harassing the public, drug dealers, and others involved in criminal activities.
Several DSPs and SHOs have been removed from their posts, while many others were served show-cause notices over poor performance against criminal elements.
According to CCPO Mian Saeed Ahmad, all gangs would be eliminated to provide relief to the people of Peshawar, adding that action against several groups has been planned in the coming days.
A list of land mafia members was compiled by a former CCPO a few years ago, but no effective action was taken after pressure was allegedly exerted by some members, including those linked to political groups. Many individuals named in the list are reportedly running businesses but had earlier used escort vehicles and armed men to harass citizens.
Thousands of residents have expressed relief following police action against gangs that had strengthened over the years due to lack of enforcement.
Officials said the operations have boosted the morale of both the public and police personnel in the provincial capital.
Police have also hinted at launching major operations against drug mafias, particularly those involved in the manufacture, sale, and transportation of ice.
Officials said Peshawar Police will launch an operation in the coming days to dismantle drug networks and cut supply routes of ice, heroin, and other narcotics, which have become a serious threat to society.
