SHC warns IO of disciplinary action in missing child case
Expressing deep concern over the non-recovery of a missing four-year-old boy, the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Saturday warned the police investigating officer (IO) to recover the child by the next hearing or face disciplinary action.
A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, issued the stern warning while hearing a petition against the disappearance of the toddler named Muzzammil. The petitioner’s counsel asserted that Muzzammil has been missing since 2021, urging the court to intervene and ensure the child’s safe recovery.
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Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of tangible progress in the police search for the child, Justice Phulpoto rebuked the IO. Directly addressing the IO, he questioned why no substantial actions has been taken yet? He expressed his exasperation, stating, “Why should we not send you to jail?”
In response, the IO, citing health concerns as a heart patient, assured the bench that efforts were underway to locate the child. He said that 10 joint investigation team (JIT) meetings and 7 provincial taskforce meetings had been conducted to address the matter.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2023.