Crime Control Dept to use drones

The Crime Control Department (CCD) will provide services to reduce seven major organised crimes by using modern technology, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was informed on Wednesday.

She was presided over a meeting regarding the new department approved by her to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.

It was decided to provide drone surveillance technology to the CCD. In case of any crime, a surveillance drone will reach the scene within five minutes and start monitoring. The department will immediately take action to apprehend the culprits in murder and rape incidents.

The CCD will take immediate action to overcome the shooter mafia in different areas of the province.

It will also take action against the organised land grabber mafia. The CCD will be active in controlling gangster rackets and mafias. Immediate action will be taken against dacoity, robbery, rape, murder, organised theft and land mafia.

The CCD will also be responsible for data management related to crimes and criminals across Punjab.

The CM approved appointments in the department. An additional inspector general of police will head the Crime Control Department. It was decided to appoint three DIGs, an SSP and SP in the divisional headquarters and DSP in each district. The department will consist of 4,258 officials, of whom 2,258 are being transferred immediately from the Punjab Police.

The chief minister also approved buildings, vehicles and equipment for the CCD. She called for immediate steps for the establishment and legislation regarding the department and issued directives to provide it the required resources.

The chief minister said, “The Crime Control Department will bring a clear reduction in the crime rate in Punjab. The establishment of CCD should instill significant fear among the criminal elements. Dearth of resources should not be allowed to stand in the way of ensuring public safety. The best possible technology should be acquired to combat crime across Punjab.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued directives to provide the best treatment facilities to a man who had attempted self-immolation in front of Lahore Haigh Court.

Muhammad Asif, a resident of Kot Muhammad Hussain in Khanewal, had poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire reportedly in front of an LHC judge on Tuesday.

Rescue staff had immediately shifted the victim to Mayo Hospital.

Initial medical examination revealed that 30 to 40 per cent of Asif’s body was burnt. The initial report stated that Asif was an employee of a company and had been removed from his post.

He had filed a writ petition in the LHC against his dismissal.

The judge had fixed the next hearing of the case for April 8.

It was reported that after the adjournment of the hearing, Asif had attempted self-immolation.

Investigation revealed that he had hidden the petrol used for self-immolation in a bottle in his pocket. Muhammad Asif is undergoing treatment at Mayo Hospital, where his treatment and condition are being monitored.