IGP orders action against cops involved in extortion, other illegal acts

Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon has taken notice of extortion and non-policing activities and issued a letter to Karachi’s additional IG and all DIGs and SSPs in Sindh for taking action against black sheep in the department.

Officials said on Thursday that concerns have been voiced over reports that the police support extortion and non-policing activities in the guise of helping other departments. IGP Memon, taking notice of such complaints, had directed his office to issue letters to senior police officers, including Karachi police chief, the DIGs of South, East and West ranges, the DIGs of Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad ranges, the DIGs of Sukkur and Larkana ranges and all district SSPs in Sindh.

The letter reads, “It is observed that the field police units are involved on their own in non-policing matters such as police action against high-rise construction, illegal hydrants, land disputes and allegedly extorting Bhatta from such activities in the garb of assisting other aligned departments. This has earned a bad name for the Sindh Police despite all its sacrifices in the line of duty.”

The IGP expressed his concern and displeasure at the unprofessional conduct of such police officers who are patronizing such bad practices. Such activities ultimately erode professionalism from its original spirit, which is the prevention and detection of crime, he remarked.

“Hence, it is strictly directed that all Zonal, Range DIGs and district SSPs shall ensure that police assist the concerned Government departments whenever they ask for such assistance that too for security purposes only. No police officer should take cognizance of his own for such matters which are not related to his pure professional work. However, local police can take action against matters if specifically directed by the district SSPs/SPs.”