CDA officer threatens street vendor to increase extortion

ISLAMABAD: An officer of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been harassing street vendors and pushcart owners forcing them to increase the monthly extortion despite the lockdown.

An elderly pushcart owner has claimed he is being threatened by a CDA official and has been stopped from opening his roadside stall. The man reached the office of the Inspector General Police (IGP) Islamabad to address his grievances.

Emmanuel Masih, who runs a fruit stall in Sector G9/2 Karachi Company area, said he has been harassed by officials demanding extortions to allow him run his stall. He claimed a man Raja Nusrat Khan, who is a CDA employee, has been harassing and threatening him, stating he will not be allowed to stay there for being a Christian.

In his complaint, he said Raja Nusrat has been receiving Rs5000 per month extortion for several years and is now demanding to increase it to Rs10,000. The man said he is unable to pay the amount as this is the only source of income for his family.

He said that Raja Nusrat has also attacked him on several occasions and harassed other workers in the area. He urged for strict action against Raja Nusrat and his brothers to enable him to earn his livelihood.

When the concerned Karachi Company police station was contacted, it was known that the complaint has been received from the IGP’s Office and has been forward to Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) Mukhtiar Kasuri.

The police officer was contacted and he assured that the elderly man will be provided justice and action will be taken against those demanding extortion from him.