Massive corruption in AVLC unearthed

24 inactive mobile vans consumed thousands of litres of fuel, reveals probe

KARACHI:

An investigation has been launched into alleged corruption in the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell (AVLC) following the discovery of irregularities in petrol consumption by the mobile vans at its disposal. Moreover, a crackdown against junk dealers in the metropolis has also been tainted by financial corruption, triggering a probe into transactions worth millions of rupees.

The AVLC - which has 24 mobile vans at its disposal - could not conduct any raid or recover stolen vehicles and motorcycles, but still these vehicles managed to consume huge amounts of petrol. The cell's inability to bring down theft and robbery incidents in Karachi has resulted in its performance plummeting to zero.

Sources at the Central Police Office told The Express Tribune that an investigation into the alleged corruption in the AVLC has been launched. As a result, the petrol supply to the 24 vehicles in its use has been stopped. The ongoing crackdown against junk dealers in Karachi has also fallen victim to corruption, raising further questions on the AVLC's credibility.

Karachi has witnessed a surge in motorcycle and vehicle thefts or snatching at gunpoint this year, with over 31,000 incidents reported in just seven months. Police have allegedly stopped registering cases to show less number of thefts and extortions. Instead, they have been dismissing complainants with a mere slip, leaving the victims frustrated.

A Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) report has also confirmed that a staggering 31,000 motorcycles have been stolen or snatched in the first seven months of this year.

Sources in the Central Police Office revealed that IG Ghulam Nabi Memon is dissatisfied with the AVLC's performance, particularly after discovering that 24 police mobiles had not participated in any raids or recoveries, despite consuming huge quantity of petrol. The IG ordered the suspension of petrol supplies to the AVLC vehicles last month.

The AVLC, which is tasked to address vehicle and motorcycle thefts, has been linked to theft and extortion across the metropolitan city, resulting in a disappointing performance record. As a result, a scrutiny process of the cell's officers has been launched. On IG orders, a crackdown on junk dealers buying stolen goods was conducted in the metropolis. However, this effort has been compromised by corruption.

Prominent junk dealers lodged complaints with IG Sindh, alleging that AVLC officers were extorting millions of rupees from them. These complaints triggered a high-level investigation into the AVLC, which uncovered widespread corruption among its officers. As a result, DIO Site Area Arshad Mughal, who was posted in the AVLC, was removed from his position following a secret inquiry and subsequent disciplinary action.

Surprisingly, despite the AVLC's dismal performance, the Sindh Home Department has been reluctant to take action against the officers involved.