Sindh chief secretary told to act against SSP

Following the recommendations of Inspector General Sindh, Cabinet Division Islamabad asked Chief Secretary Sindh for disciplinary action against Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanghar Dr Farukh Lanjar regarding his alleged role in dismantling a portion of Jufel Hurust, a historical school of Karachi’s Soldier Bazar. 

Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dr Aftab Pathan, who was appointed as a inquiry officer of the matter, has recommended strict action against SSP Sanghar Dr Farukh Lanjar, and the then Station House Officer (SHO) of the area Irshad Soomro. He also recommended action against SSP Lanjar’s brother Adnan Hussain, inspector of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). 

Inquiry report of AIG Dr Aftab Pathan, a copy of which available with ‘The News’, concluded that SSP Farukh Lanjar was directly involved in whole process as according to report then SHO of area Irshad Soomro admitted that he was asked by the SSP not to interfere in process of demolition and then encroachment on school. 

Inquiry report added that statements of total 13 officials of Education Department and Police Department were recorded, record, maps of Culture Department, and photographs were examined before and after demolition also watched to access the facts. 

IG Sindh A D Khuwaja recommended Cabinet Division Islamabad action against SSP Dr Farukh Lanjar following the inquiry report of AIG Dr Aftab Pathan. 

SSP Sanghar Dr Farukh Lanjar told ‘The News’ that the inquiry and its findings were against the basic tenets of justice to condemn and term guilty somebody unheard.

SSP Lanjar added that he should have been given the opportunity to be heard and the right to defend himself. 

SSP Lanjar said, “It's just like one person levels an allegation against another and the judge takes it as a fact but I am confident that it would turn out to be false if provided the opportunity to be heard at an impartial forum.”

On April 8, late night some persons including Inspector Adnan Lanjar of FIA claiming the ownership of said school and tried to occupy major portion of the historical building and demolished building on some 5,704 square yards of premises.

IG Sindh, Karachi Police Chief AIG Mushtaq Mahar, Secretary Education Sindh Abdul Aziz Uqili took strong stand and after initial inquiry ordered lodging of First Information Report.

Accused persons including Station House Officer Irshad Soomro, FIA Inspector Adnan Hussain and others were arrested.

The FIR of the matter was registered after Secretary Education Abdul Aziz Uqaili wrote a letter to IG Khawaja, requesting an FIR be lodged against the land mafia and their police collaborators.

The portion of the School demolished was already declared as a heritage site but the accused persons were trying to get hold of the land to build a high-rise building for the last two years, said principal of school Muhammad Shafiq.

Uqaili said he has ordered the starting of the reconstruction of the damaged portion, keeping in view the heritage laws, rules and regulations.

This reporter tried his best to get the version of AIG Dr Aftab Pathan, called at his cell phone and then sent him a detailed text message on his cell number and Whatsapp but till the filling of this report, AIG Pathan avoided response.