Police inspector dismissed over evidence tampering

QUETTA: A Balochistan police inspector has been removed from service after an internal inquiry found him responsible for misconduct and tampering with official records, according to an order issued by the Central Police Office in Quetta.

The dismissed officer was identified as Inspector Asif Khan Khattak, who had been serving at the Industrial Police Station in Quetta. The action followed findings that he manipulated details linked to an investigation conducted in 2023.

According to the order, the inquiry established that the officer changed the engine and chassis numbers of a motorcycle connected to the case and created discrepancies in the evidence record. The investigation committee formed to examine the allegations confirmed charges of negligence, dishonesty and deliberate irregularities against him.

The inquiry also found shortcomings in his handling of key material collected from the crime scene. These included photographs and videos that were considered important evidence. Officials further noted that the investigation had been carried out in an unprofessional manner.

Inquiry findings and case impact

The case had been registered at the request of the complainant. During the course of the proceedings, Khattak was found to have entered incorrect details of the motorcycle, a lapse that raised questions over the credibility of the entire investigation.

As a result of those flaws, the court acquitted the accused persons in the case. The official findings linked the weaknesses in the prosecution to the irregularities identified during the inquiry into the inspector’s conduct.

Before the final action was taken, the officer was served with a show-cause notice and was given an opportunity to explain his position. However, according to the order, he did not offer a satisfactory response to the allegations.

After reviewing the available record and the findings of the inquiry committee, the authorities upheld the charges against him. This led to his dismissal from service.

Official action

The order from the Central Police Office said the charges against the inspector had been confirmed after scrutiny of the matter. The disciplinary action marks the conclusion of departmental proceedings initiated over the handling of the 2023 case.

The findings against Khattak included misconduct in the investigation process, alteration of case-related details and failure to properly preserve and present evidence. The departmental review concluded that these actions had undermined the case and contributed to the acquittal of the accused.

The dismissal order was issued after officials determined that the allegations had been substantiated and that the explanation provided by the officer was not sufficient to counter the findings recorded during the inquiry.