Investigating Rao Anwar: Notices issued on plea for inquiry into 250 killings in 'encounters'

SHC wants respondents’ comments by February 20

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued on Monday notices to the provincial chief secretary, inspector-general of police, Karachi additional IG and former Malir SSP Rao Anwar on a petition seeking an inquiry into killings of more than 250 suspected criminals in alleged encounters conducted by Anwar since 1992.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, directed them and the suspended SSP Anwar to file their comments by February 20.

Muzamil Mumtaz Meo Rajput, a practicing lawyer, had approached the court seeking formation of a board to inquire into killings of more than 250 suspects in alleged encounters by the former SSP in the city since 1992.



He named the provincial chief secretary, IG, Karachi additional IG, East DIG and Anwar as respondents.

The petitioner said he had found that many persons had filed petitions in the high court against Anwar in respect to fake police encounters in which their sons or brothers were murdered.

Rajput said he heard from many people that complaints were not lodged with any authority or the SHC against the policeman due to fear.

The petitioner recalled that since 1992 till January 15, 2018 the former SSP had murdered innocent persons in fake police encounters and had also looted many persons, who were murdered.

He alleged that the families of the deceased persons had registered complaints to the higher authority, but no action was taken by the Sindh government.



Rajput argued that the fundamental question is why no action was taken against Anwar and why respondent Anwar continuously remained posted as the Malir SSP while many complaints were made against him during his posting. However, he was not transferred from the post even after public complaints, Rajput said.

He told the court that during Anwar’s posting as the Malir SSP, very serious allegations were levelled against him due to fake encounters and he was suspended and removed from the post, but no other officer was appointed in his place.

Rajput told the two-judge bench that the petition pertains to excess of powers by the respondent police officer and violation of Article 4 of the Constitution.



Arguing that there is no other remedy except petitioning the court, he pleaded to the court to direct the provincial chief secretary to constitute an inquiry board in respect of murders of more than 250 innocent persons in fake police encounters.

He sought a direction for the proposed board to submit its inquiry report before the court against Anwar and his companies involved in fake police encounters.