Crime graph down by 90pc in Helmand, claims official

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The crime rate in southern Helmand province has dropped by 90 percent, compared to the past, police officials claim.

Maulvi Abdullah Rohani, director of the crime branch at the police headquarters, told Pajhwok Afghan News about 107 cases had been registered in the province and dozens of suspects arrested over the past three months.

He added 49 had been detained on charges of robbery, 20 suspected killers, one alleged homosexual and one kidnapper. The detainees have been referred to the judiciary.

Over the past three months, at least 72 legal cases have been registered with police and referred to relevant organs for resolution, he added.

Besides combating administrative, financial and moral corruption, the official said, he was working hard to prevent illegal activities. He called on the people to cooperate with law-enforcers.

Meanwhile, residents of Helmand acknowledged thefts, robberies and other crimes had decreased. But more measures were needed, they believed.

Mohammad Anwar, an inhabitant of Lashkargah, told Pajhwok during the previous government, criminals were arrested but not punished and this left the crime rate soaring.

He confirmed criminals had been arrested and often publicly punished. As a result, he said, the crime rate had dropped.

Abdullah, another resident, called on the government to provide jobs to the people, prevent injustice, enforce the law and reduce crimes.

sa/mud