Judge asks IGP to ensure fair probes into extrajudicial killings to maintain public trust

A sessions court has dismissed the post-arrest bail applications of the Darakhshan SHO and head moharrir in a custodial death case.

Additional Sessions Judge Hatim Aziz Solangi rejected the applications filed by SHO Ali Raza Leghari and head moharrir Faisal Ahmed Legahri seeking post-arrest bail. “Accused not only facilitated the commission of offence, but had played their role to conceal the same,” he said, ruling that given the substantial material and evidence linking them to the commission of the crime, there was no justification for granting leniency at this stage of the investigation.

The judge said the whole incident as narrated represented a severe abuse of the authority and grave violation of human rights. “This conduct breaches numerous national and international laws and it undermines the principle of justice and rule of law. Such incident severely damages public trust in law enforcements and government institutions. In order to maintain that trust an independent and effective investigation should be mandated that has authority and capability to question and collect evidence from superior officers of police department,” the judge went on.

He said a JIT should have been constituted or a special investigation team consisting of two DIGs, calling for providing necessary protection to the victim’s family and any witness to ensure their safety and prevent further harassment or coercion.

“Investigations into violations of the right to life must be thorough aimed at determining the nature of the crime, the circumstances of its commission, the motives behind it, and the identities and roles of the perpetrators. Such investigations are integral to the state’s duty to prosecute and punish those responsible for extrajudicial killings. They must be conducted diligently, impartially, and effectively to uncover the truth and ensure that all involved, particularly state agents, are held accountable.

“These principles are communicated to the Sindh IG for consideration, not to dictate the outcome of the investigation, but to ensure that it is fair, impartial, and meaningful. The integrity of the criminal justice system and public trust hinge on such standards.”