Four Women Booked for Posing as Magistrates, Raiding Islamabad Restaurants
Police say the suspects allegedly conducted fake inspections at restaurants and hotels in Tarnol, collected money as bogus fines, and attempted to flee before being arrested.
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have arrested four women accused of allegedly impersonating a magistrate and government inspection staff to conduct fake raids on restaurants and hotels in the Tarnol area, where they allegedly collected money from business owners in the name of official fines.
According to police, the suspects operated as a fake inspection team, with one of the women allegedly introducing herself as a magistrate while the other three accompanied her as members of the inspection staff. During the alleged operation, the group reportedly visited at least three hotels and restaurants, carried out bogus inspections, and demanded fines from the owners.
Police said the alleged fraud came to light after receiving information about the group’s activities. A police team responded to the area, where the suspects allegedly attempted to flee upon seeing officers. They were, however, apprehended on the spot.
Investigators said the woman identified as Raheela allegedly posed as the magistrate, while the remaining three women acted as members of the inspection team. Authorities believe the group used the false identity to gain the confidence of business owners and collect money under the guise of official enforcement.
A case has been registered at Tarnol Police Station under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. Following legal formalities, the accused were shifted to the Women Police Station, where further investigation is underway.
Police said investigators are examining whether the suspects were involved in similar incidents elsewhere in Islamabad and are attempting to identify any additional victims. Police have urged hotel owners, restaurant operators, and other businesses to verify the identity and official credentials of inspection teams before complying with any enforcement action or payment demands.
Police emphasized that the allegations remain under investigation, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
