SHC seeks report from IGP on gutka sale

Police chief suspends six SHOs over unabated sale

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought a report from the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) on a petition seeking action against police officers involved in the sale of gutka, mainpuri and other unhealthy substances. The court issued this order after the submission of a report by Special Branch DIG Naeem Ahmed Sheikh.

The SHC heard a petition filed by advocate Muzammil Mumtaz Mayo, seeking action against elements selling gutka, mainpuri and other unhealthy consumables. DIG Special Branch Naeem Ahmed Sheikh submitted his report in the court.

The report said that the IGP issued instructions to all DIGs of the province to take action against officers involved in the sale of gutka. The police chief, the report said, was closely monitoring actions being taken.

The report said that a separate, headed by the Sindh additional IG, had been established to crackl down on such elements and that the internal policing system would not wait for a complaint against the delinquent officers.

The court remarked that the IGP should take stern action against police officers involved in the sale of gutka and mainpuri.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar said such elements had become millionaires by playing with innocent lives. "Some police officers are also unfortunately involved in this work. The police department should take action against such black sheep as they are not only involved in misconduct, but also causing an embarrassment to society," the judge remarked.

In another case, the Sindh High Court ordered an inquiry against the KDA land management director on a petition against the patronisation of the land mafia which was illegally occupying properties.

During the hearing of the petition by a bench comprising Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam, the court ordered an inquiry against the mentioned director.

The judge added that these officials first issued fake letters to citizens and then harassed them before taking bribes.

In a stern warning to the KDA director, the court remarked that warned that he might also find himself in jail. Justice Alam, in his remarks, said no one outside the KDA could prepare a fake lease.

The petitioner's counsel contended that his client, Manzer Hassan, has not been allowed to build a house for 10 years. "Whenever construction is raised, the KDA bulldozes it," the counsel argued.

The land director earlier told the court that the letters were fake and the same was contended by the KDA counsel.

Justice Rajput asked that if the letters were indeed fake, whose signatures there were on them. To this, the director offered a fresh explanation, saying the signatures on the letters were his. Taking another position, the director added the letters were issued and immediately withdrawn.

Justice Rajput expressed his displeasure over and asked whether the court or the KDA chief should take action over this discrepancy. KDA's counsel said that the DG KDA should be directed to take action. The SHC directed the DG KDA to conduct an inquiry within 30 days.

Six SHOs suspended

The Sindh Inspector General Police (IGP) has suspended six SHOs for failing to stop the sale of gutka and other unhealthy substances across the province, including Karachi, said a notification.

According to the notification, issued by the AIG Establishment Muqaddar Haider on the orders of the IGP, all the suspended SHOs have been directed to report to the Central Police Head Office.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2021.