Another custodial death rocks capital police

Sources say SSP Operations has suspended three officers and ordered inquiry

ISLAMABAD:

A suspect in the custody of Islamabad police's CIA department has died due to alleged police brutality.

According to sources, the CIA in charge had arrested Saleh Baran, a resident of Zhob, on charges of theft. The suspect mysteriously died during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. After his death, the duty officer quickly transferred the body to PIMS hospital, where there was initial confusion about whether to conduct an autopsy. However, following intervention by senior officials, an autopsy was eventually conducted.

Sources claim that, instead of charging the officers with murder under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, attempts are being made to file a weaker case under Sections 319 and 320 of PPC to benefit the delinquent officers. Additionally, it is reported that senior federal police officers are being informed that the detainee jumped from a bridge, resulting in his death.

Efforts were made to contact Inspector Suleman Shah, in charge of the CIA's Anti-Robbery and Theft Wing, but he could not be reached. However, a senior federal officer stated that since the CIA's subordinate officers are now both complainants and defendants in the case, a judicial inquiry should be conducted independently of the police to ensure the facts are revealed.

The inquiry or investigation will likely be assigned to a district administration judicial officer rather than the police.

Sources have further revealed that following the death of the detainee, the SSP Operations has suspended three personnel, including CIA duty officer Ghulam Abbas. The SSP has also directed the SP Industrial Area to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report within 24 hours.