SHC rejects SSP’s report on toxic fumes deaths

Low number of post-mortems irks CJ Shaikh

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court on Thursday rejected a report from a senior police officer regarding deaths caused by toxic fumes in Keamari.

While hearing a petition on Thursday, a two-member bench, headed by SHC Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Shaikh, expressed dissatisfaction over an investigation report submitted by the senior superintendent of police (SSP) Investigation, Keamari.

The public prosecutor submitted before the bench that there were two incidents, one in Mochko and the other in Keamari. The chief justice asked, “What progress has so far been made in the investigation?”

The public prosecutor replied that it has been made mandatory to have a post-mortem examination of the deceased performed.

The chief justice asked what action has been taken against those who refused a post-mortem. “In most cases, a post-mortem has not been performed on the body. Now you will say that the policemen responsible have retired.”

Appearing before the bench, the Keamari SSP said that plastic traces had been found in the bodies of the victims.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7^th, 2023.