An official of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been suspended following a controversial tax recovery operation where a building on Range Road was sealed despite the presence of civilians, including bank staff and women in a gym. The drastic measure, taken while individuals were still inside, prompted immediate action from higher authorities.
The incident occurred during a tax recovery campaign targeting properties defaulting on their dues. A private building on Range Road, which housed a bank and a ladies’ gym on separate floors, was the subject of the operation. The building owner had reportedly requested a one-day extension to pay the outstanding taxes.
However, the tax recovery team, led by a lower-division clerk (LDC), Ehsan Ullah, allegedly refused the request for a grace period. Witnesses reported that the official adopted an inappropriate attitude before proceeding to seal the building and lock it from the outside.
At the time of the sealing, customers and staff were present inside the bank, and women were engaged in exercise within the ladies’ gym on another floor. Concerns were raised as citizens and the women inside were not given an opportunity to exit the building before it was locked.
Upon learning of the situation, some local residents and the building owner immediately went to the Cantonment Board office to report the incident. Responding swiftly, Additional CEO Haider Shuja ordered the immediate unsealing of the building, allowing those who were trapped inside to come out safely.
The Additional CEO took immediate disciplinary action, suspending the concerned LDC, Ehsan Ullah. He was deemed to have committed misconduct, and a charge sheet has been issued against him to initiate departmental proceedings.
