Five cops suspended for ‘injuring lawyers’

An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and four other police officials have been suspended after an “unpleasant” incident between police and lawyers at the Mominabad police station.

The District West police spokesperson said SSP Tariq Mastoi has suspended ASI Faiz Baloch and four other cops for exhibiting “irresponsible” behaviour. Mastoi has assigned the Orangi Division SP to conduct a transparent and impartial inquiry into the matter. The spokesperson stressed that the rule of law would be upheld at all costs, and no individual would be allowed to act above the law.

Lawyers filed a case against the policemen following the incident. They claimed that the cops subjected them to violence and unlawful detention when they visited the Mominabad police station in the early hours of Saturday to inquire about a case.

After news of the incident spread, members of the legal community held a protest outside the SSP’s office in Orangi Town. Mominabad SHO Mairaj Anwar said the “unpleasant” situation occurred after lawyers visited the police station to gather information about a police arrest.

A video statement of the suspended ASI has also surfaced, in which he speaks about the alleged torture he was subjected to.