Dadu village fire: 14 cops fired for ‘stealing relief goods’

Authorities have dismissed all 14 policemen involved in the theft of relief goods meant for victims of the recent fire incident in Sindh's Dadu district.

It may be recalled that nine persons, including eight children and a woman, died in the incident that took place in Faiz Mohammed Village near Mahar Town of Dadu district. Over 50 animals, including goats, buffalos and cows were also burnt in the fire.

In the videos available with The Express Tribune, policemen riding motorcycles and driving vans were seen taking away the goods sent by relief and social organisations following the incident.

Several organisations, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, had sent goods, including rations, tents, water-coolers and other items for the affectees.

The policemen deployed in the area reached the village late on Thursday and took away the ration through mobiles and motorcycles.

The villagers caught them red-handed and inquired about their suspicious activities.

“Yes, all 14 policemen have been dismissed from the service,” SSP Dadu Irfan Ali Samo confirmed to The Express Tribune.

Also read: CM Murad removes Dadu DC

He added that the cops were found to be at fault in the inquiry report, saying they brought a bad name to the police department.

The dismissal order said, “As such, they have committed an act of gross misconduct, inefficiency dereliction of duty. Besides, the above-named officials were found indulged in [the] dirty practice of receiving food and other items, brought for fire affectees, from social organisations in police uniform.”

It added: “Their further retention in disciplinary force is unjustified. Therefore, they are awarded major punishment of dismissal from service with immediate effect.”