Cops’ killings case: SHC reprimands IG over flaws in Chakra Goth investigations

Attack on police van by armed men in 2011 had resulted in the martyrdom of seven police officials

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) summoned on Wednesday Sindh Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr Syed Kaleem Imam and expressed anger over flawed investigation of the attack on a police van in Chakra Goth which had resulted in the deaths of seven policemen.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh, heard the petition filed by accused, Gul Mohammad, seeking bail in the case.

The counsel for the state, Barrister Mustafa Mahesar, told the court that the IGP was busy at the Sindh chief minister's house so senior superintendent of police (SSP) for investigations had appeared on his behalf.

Chief Justice Shaikh refused to hear another official on behalf of the IGP. He expressed annoyance over Dr Imam's absence and directed him to appear before the court.

Later, when the IGP appeared before the court, Chief Justice Shaikh asked him how many policemen had been killed in the Chakra Goth incident. Dr Imam said that seven policemen had been killed while 25 others had been injured.

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The chief justice questioned as to why witnesses had not appeared on the hearings. "You [IGP] had assured that witnesses in the case will be produced and a DIG [deputy inspector-general of police] rank official will be assigned to bring witnesses amid security,'' said the Chief Justice. "Seven policemen were killed in the incident but police failed to present any evidence," remarked the court.

The chief justice remarked that the case had been pending since 2011.  Had the investigation officers (IOs) done their jobs, this delay could have been avoided.

Dr Imam apologised before the court with regards to the absence of witnesses. Court adjourned the hearing till February 20.

On December 18, 2018, the court had granted post-arrest bail to the accused, one of whom is said to be associated with Muttahida Qaumi Movement - Pakistan (MQM-P), and four others in the case. It had accepted bail for Kamran Madhuri and four others against a surety bond of Rs0.5 million each and directed jail authorities to release them if they were not required in any other case. The suspects had approached the SHC after an anti-terrorism court had rejected their bail pleas.

At least seven policemen were killed and several others injured when armed assailants opened fire at a police van in Chakra Goth on August 19, 2019.

Reduced seats

SHC granted on Wednesday time till January 29 for the approval of summaries regarding appointment of teachers at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Lyari's (SBBMCL). A two-member bench heard the case relating to 50% reduction in seats of SBBMCL.

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Pakistan Medical and Dental College's (PMDC) counsel maintained that seats were reduced due to the lack of teachers and other facilities.

Health additional secretary told the court that summaries for the appointments of teachers and other matters have been submitted. The college principal said that the college is two professors and two assistant professors short.

The court granted time till January 29 for the approval of summaries and sought a report on the development work under way at the college.

*With additional input from PPI 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2019.