IHC blasts DIG over missing person’s case

Directs police to incorporate modern technology

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has observed that the police should incorporate modern technology to improve the investigation process. The Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police Operations Afzal Ahmad Kausar appeared before the court on Wednesday.

During the hearing of the case pertaining to a missing person, filed by the victim’s wife, Justice Amir Farooq expressed dissatisfaction over the inquiry. At this, the DIG said that the department has been using modern technology, including the DNA and fingerprint facilities for the past five-six months.

The court remarked that so far, no case has been presented in which police have used the fingerprinting facility.

Kausar said that the police segregated operational and investigative aspects nearly four months ago to improve progress. He added that the police have devised a strategy for the usage of fingerprints and call detail records (CDR) and they were trying their best to make use of modern technology.

Justice Farooq said to Kausar that the Central Investigation Agency personnel were alleged to have kidnapped the victim, adding that it could be resolved by obtaining CDR.

Read SHC orders recovery of missing persons

The court questioned if the police were investigating the case or trying to save their people. The DIG said they have given instructions in line with the court’s directions. At this, Justice Farooq remarked that the police should be abolished if the court has to give directions.

He asked why the police do not investigate the case itself, adding that the first information report (FIR) launched on the basis of lies ends up in high and supreme courts.

Kausar informed the court that the SP investigating the case earlier is being trailed under departmental inquiry. He added that the police cannot keep anyone in illegal confinement.

The DIG assured the court that they would take action against any personnel if a complaint surfaces against them. He lamented that an SP rank official carried out such an inquiry. The court summoned a report regarding the inquiry in the next hearing.

In another petition filed for recovery of Mudassir Naro, who has been missing for the past three months, the IHC expressed extreme displeasure on the attorney general's office over non-submission of a report of the missing person’s commission.

The court directed the assistant attorney general (AAG) to appear before the court with a complete record on Thursday (today). AAG said that a meeting on the topic of missing persons was held on Monday but the report has not been compiled yet.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2021.