Fake encounter: SC orders police to keep accused cops off duty

Karachi
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Karachi police to withdraw field posting of two officers under probe for killing a man in fake encounter.
The court directed the deputy inspector general (DIG) of the CIA to conclude the inquiry into alleged extra judicial killing of a citizen by the Sohrab Goth and Sachal police in June last year.
The police officers had assailed the orders of High Court that ordered an inquiry into extra judicial killing of Anis in a fake encounter.
The DIG CIA had submitted an initial inquiry report and sought further 15 days time to complete the same.
Complainant Anwar Ali had stated that he was continuously being threatened by Ismail Lashari, who is presently posted as SHO Sohrab Goth, and sub-inspector Shoaib of the Sachal police station.
Besides, he said, a brother of Ismail, Ishaque Lashari was posted as sub-inspector in the Special Investigation Unit was also threatening him of dire consequences.
He submitted that he was being chased by the police officers and felt threat to his and his family members’ lives at the hands of these police officers.
The counsel of the police officer sought adjournment on ground of his medical treatment.
The two-member bench, headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim, observed that threats were being given to the complainant by the police officers against whom inquiry had also been ordered.
The court observed that both these officers could not be allowed to hold any post till conclusion of the inquiry.
The court directed the additional inspector general Karachi to withdraw field posting of these police officers and in the meantime, the DIG CIA shall ensure that complainant and his family members be given complete protection so that they could collect the material against these police officers and place before the inquiry officer without any fear.
The court warned that if any harm was caused to the complainant or his family members, both nominated police officers shall be held responsible along with Ismail’s brother.
The court directed the DIG CIA to conclude the inquiry within 15 days and these police officers shall not be given any field posting in the province till further direction of the court.
The court observed that non-compliance of the court orders shall expose the inspector general of police and the AIG for contempt proceedings.