RAWALPINDI: The police authorities have dismantled an organised ‘honey-trap’ syndicate operating within its ranks, involving law enforcement officials, including a female official. The illicit operation was allegedly spearheaded by a Station House Officer (SHO) within the Rawalpindi police jurisdiction.
The newly appointed City Police Officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi, Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, confirmed the development, asserting that corrupt elements would be systematically purged from the force. Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the prime suspect, the SHO of the Chaklala Police Station, with dedicated raiding parties deployed to multiple locations to effect an arrest.
City Police Officer (CPO), Rawalpindi, Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera has taken notice of serious allegations against Chaklala Police Station SHO Inspector Sikandar Nawaz Joiya, who has been accused of operating an alleged ‘honey-trap’ and extortion gang with the involvement of several police personnel. Following the allegations, Inspector Joiya has been removed from his post and transferred to Police Lines pending further inquiry.
According to police sources, a raid was conducted seven days ago at the residence of Head Constable Lareeb Kiani in Gujar Khan, who is described as an active member of the alleged gang. However, Kiani reportedly managed to evade arrest. Other alleged members of the group, including a woman identified as ‘Salma’, who had lodged a rape case against the complainant, are also said to be absconding.
According to the allegations, the gang targeted a citizen identified as Shiraz, a resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, through a honey-trap scheme involving Salma. The suspects allegedly threatened to implicate Shiraz in a rape case and initially demanded Rs50 million to settle the matter. It is alleged that the victim was eventually released after paying Rs11 million.
After Shiraz was recovered, his family submitted an application to the City Police Officer seeking an investigation into the incident. The complainant has further alleged that a police officer attempted to shield himself by registering a rape case against Shiraz. However, police sources claim that an internal inquiry found merit in Shiraz’s allegations, prompting further action.
Police officials said supplementary charges have been added to an already registered FIR at Chaklala Police Station, naming Head Constable Lareeb Kiani and four other suspects. Investigators said the inquiry remains in progress and further legal action will be taken in light of the findings.
The press release also contains allegations that Inspector Joiya engaged in corruption during his tenure as SHO by allegedly providing protection to gambling, prostitution and narcotics operations in exchange for monthly payments. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official findings have yet been announced regarding those claims. The investigation into the alleged honey-trap network and related misconduct is continuing.
