DPO Swat Muhammad Umar Khan, taking strict notice of the murderous attack on the vehicle of transport leader Afzal Gujjar in the Shakardara area of Tehsil Matta, has ordered strict disciplinary action against the staff of the concerned police station.
The SHO, Additional SHO, and Muharrar of Shakardara police station have been suspended from their posts immediately for gross negligence and negligence in duty, and the police line has been closed.
A regular departmental inquiry has also been initiated against the suspended police officers and officials, for which DPO Swat has appointed SP Investigation Swat as the inquiry officer and directed a transparent and speedy investigation. On this occasion, DPO Muhammad Umar Khan said that the protection of public life and property is our top priority, and no negligence will be tolerated in this regard. He clarified that officials who are negligent and lazy in their duties do not deserve any concession and strict disciplinary action will be taken against them.
This strict action has come after the shocking incident that took place a few days ago at Shakardara, in which the vehicle of Afzal Gujjar, a prominent leader of the local transport union, was targeted by unknown armed men. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle, as a result of which Afzal Gujjar miraculously escaped unharmed, but his son, nephew, and a security guard in the vehicle died on the spot.
After this horrific attack, there was intense anger and resentment among local committees, transporters, and ordinary citizens, and a strong protest was held by blocking the highway by placing the bodies of the deceased on the road. The protesters raised strong slogans against the incompetence of the local police for their failure to arrest the murderers immediately and maintain law and order in the area.
Following the lack of timely police action and increasing public pressure over security lapses in the sensitive area of Matta during this high-profile target killing, the DPO Swat decided to suspend the entire leadership of Shakardara police station. The police have launched search operations in various areas to arrest the accused, and in light of the inquiry report, the negligent officials may face more severe punishments.
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