42 cops under investigation for links to organised crime

Hyderabad DIG has ordered an inquiry report to be submitted within a week

HYDERABAD: The nexus of around 42 policemen of Hyderabad district with criminal gangs and drug peddlers has come under investigation. Hyderabad DIG Naeem Ahmed Shaikh, citing a report sent by 'higher authorities', has directed Hyderabad SSP Sarfaraz Nawaz Shaikh to conduct an inquiry and submit a report in seven days.

The policemen include three sub-inspectors, five assistant sub-inspectors and 34 constables. "A list of following police officers/officials of your district who are reportedly involved in illegal activities and in patronising organized crime in Hyderabad has been received," reads the letter dated July 9. "... verify its authenticity and take action under Sindh Police Efficiency and Discipline Rules, 1988."

The list also contains names of 13 such policemen who were already punished for their connivance with criminals who collect extortion and patronise various crimes such as drug peddling and prostitution dens. Three policemen posted out of Hyderabad Police Range are also suspected of collusion with the criminals.

The non-gazetted officials facing the probe include sub-inspectors Faiz Ali Shah, Asif Hayat and ASIs Asad Nawaz Khaskheli, Liaquat Jathial, Allah Wassayo, Arif Bhatti and Ashiq Brohi.

Meanwhile, the Hyderabad DIG has also initiated an investigation on similar charges against two deputy superintendents of police, three inspectors and two SIs of Matiari district.

The inquiry has been given to Jamshoro SSP district Touqeer Muhammad Naeem. The officials under inquiry include Halal DSP Altaf Hussain Arain, Complaint Cell DSP Juman Khan Panhwar, Complaint Cell In-charge Inspector Suleman Jaiser, Inspectors Khalilur Rehman Shah and Mumtaz Ahmed Siddiqui and SIs Ali Umrani and Shahid Usman Malik.

The SSP has transferred the three inspectors and two SIs to the Jamshoro district police headquarters where their movement has been restricted to the headquarters until completion of the inquiry. Naeem has been given five days to complete the probe.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2019.