Police Officer Booked for Allegedly Harassing British Woman

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been suspended and booked in a criminal case for allegedly harassing a British-Kashmiri woman in Mirpur.

The woman had reportedly been advised by the divisional commissioner of Mirpur to approach the Thothal police station for assistance in a property possession case.

However, when she allegedly contacted SHO Chaudhry Imran Ahmed, he told her that he would personally pick her up from her residence.

During the ride in the SHO’s vehicle, the woman allegedly faced and resisted repeated attempts by the officer to exploit the situation for personal gratification.

Sources claim that in an audio clip secretly recorded by the woman on her mobile phone, the allegedly intoxicated SHO was heard pressuring her to move to the front seat, remove her abaya, befriend him, and visit his home, along with repeatedly making other obscene demands.

The recording, which was reportedly obtained by Dawn, was allegedly brought to the attention of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rana Abdul Jabbar on February 21.

Taking serious notice, the IGP immediately summoned the SHO to headquarters and directed SSP Mirpur Khawar Shaukat Ali to conduct a preliminary inquiry.

A police department spokesperson stated on Tuesday that the inquiry had allegedly confirmed the harassment allegations, leading to the registration of a criminal case against the SHO.

He was also suspended from service pending further orders, with separate departmental proceedings initiated against him.

“Strict disciplinary action will be taken against the inspector based on the findings of the departmental inquiry,” the spokesperson said. He reiterated the police department’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment, particularly in cases involving women, emphasizing that anyone involved in illegal activities, regardless of their position, would face legal action without discrimination.

He further stated that complaints of harassment against women would not be tolerated, and strict disciplinary and criminal action would be taken against any police personnel or officers found guilty. Ensuring the protection of women, he added, remains an absolute priority.