Kidnapped by Those Sworn to Protect: Family’s Desperate Quest for Justice

By Saleem Mubarak

LAHORE: A family has to jump through hoops to seek justice against policemen, including an SHO who kidnapped three people—two brothers—and released them after receiving a hefty amount.

The family alleged that the armed proclaimed offenders also threatened them with dire consequences if a kidnapping for ransom case registered against the accused policemen was not withdrawn.

The Sordid Saga Begins

The sordid saga of the family started on July 31 last, when the then in-charge of the CIA Samundri, Babar Gujjar, along with four constables, allegedly took three persons identified as Muhammad Kashif (an expatriate), his brother Muhammad Kamran, and Muhammad Afzal, into custody.

These people, hailing from Chak 65-GB in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, left their house for shopping when they were picked up by policemen near the Chak 65-GB Stop.

Kashif touched down in Pakistan for holidays in July last, and his return flight was on the books for August 1, 2024.

Family’s Search Efforts

When they did not return home, the family launched their search and left no stone unturned to find them. With the help of a tracker installed in the vehicle, they hit the nail on the head by pinpointing their location at CIA Circle Samundri, Faisalabad.

Abdul Majeed, father of Kashif, who registered a case against the accused policemen, said that following the information they received, they arrived at CIA Circle Samundri.

He alleged that Babar Gujjar used abusive language and threatened to throw the book at him. He claimed that they were shown the door from the police station.

Seeking Help from Private Persons

Finding no way to secure the release of the detained persons, he said they had to reach out to Ejaz Watoo and Umar Daraz (private persons).

He alleged that Ejaz demanded Rs 500,000 as ransom for their release. He said that Babar Gujjar, in connivance with the constables, falsely implicated Kamran and his friend Faisal in various cases.

The police took my personal weapon from my house. He said the entire issue was reported to Rescue 15 but to no avail.

Greasing Palms for Release

He mentioned that on August 13, they had to grease the palms of the policemen by paying Rs 1.3 million through Ejaz Watoo to ensure the liberty of the detained persons.

He said Kashif had a flight back to Saudi Arabia on August 1. However, he lamented that Kashif missed his scheduled flight due to this illegal detention. He said that the policemen seized the mobile phone and cash from the detained persons.

Besides, he claimed that the police forced him to sign blank cheques.

Four Months of Efforts

After four grueling months of intense efforts, the family said they succeeded in registering a case against the accused policemen with the help of court orders.

The Saddar Jaranwala police registered a case against the accused policemen and private persons with no arrest, leaving the family feeling like they are fighting an uphill battle.

However, the family claimed that police did not incorporate the appropriate sections in the case in a bid to protect their fellows.

Babar Hussain’s Application

Babar Hussain, a resident of Chak 110-GB, Jaranwala, submitted an application to Regional Police Officer Faisalabad Dr. Muhammad Abid, stating that his uncle Abdul Majeed had lodged a kidnapping for ransom case against Babar Gujjar, who is currently serving as SHO Kur. He (Babar Hussain) is a witness in the case.

On December 1, he was at home with his cousin Kamran when Imran and Azam turned up and threatened them with dire consequences if he took any action against the SHO.

He claimed that Imran and Azam are wanted in a case (1624/22) which was registered with Khurrianwala Police Station. The accused were packing heat and categorically said that Babar Gujjar is their friend.

He has requested the RPO to register a case against the accused SHO and POs.

Ongoing Investigation

A Faisalabad police officer requesting anonymity told Grand Lines PK that investigation into the case was underway and that the guilty would face the music (idiom: ‘face the music’ means to confront consequences).

He said that the family had submitted an application to RPO requesting that appropriate sections be incorporated into the case.

Besides, he said that the family had also requested that investigation of the case be moved out of Jaranwala town.