During a tax recovery operation, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) sealed a building on Range Road despite the presence of civilians, bank staff and women exercising in a gym.

According to sources, the private building — housing a bank and a gym on separate floors — had defaulted on its property tax.

The building owner had requested a one-day grace period to clear the dues, but the recovery team, led by a lower division clerk (LDC), refused.

Sources said instead of allowing time, the team sealed the building from the outside, locking in customers and employees inside the bank as well as women inside the gym.

Eyewitnesses reported that the women and civilians were not allowed to exit the building, causing concern among locals.

The building owner and some residents rushed to the cantonment board office to report the incident.

In response, Additional CEO Haider Shuja intervened, ordered the building to be unsealed immediately, and ensured those inside were safely evacuated.

Following the incident, the LDC was suspended and officially charge-sheeted for misconduct.

The cantonment board has initiated departmental proceedings against him.