Baghlan police detain crime branch chief

PUL-I-KHUMRI (PAN): Police have detained the crime branch chief of northern Baghlan province after a local court accused him of law violations and misuse of authority, officials said on Tuesday.

Deputy Baghlan police chief Lt. Col. Mohammad Sadeq Muradi told Pajhwok Afghan News Lt. Col. Noor Gul, already being prosecuted in a case with the provincial military court, had been arrested on charges of violating laws and misusing his position.

Gul allegedly crushed to death two children in a traffic accident on the Baghlan-Pul-i-Khumri highway two months back, he said.

The arrest comes a day after Baghlan appellant court accused Gul of releasing convicted criminals by misusing his position, calling him incompetent.

But Gul insisted his acts had been lawful and part of his duty, saying he was not worried about his arrest.

mrh/ma