Illegal sand, gravel extraction belies police crackdown
Illegal sand and gravel extraction from the Malir River continues unabated despite a crackdown purportedly launched by the city police, The Express Tribune has learnt.
District Malir Deputy Commissioner Irfan Salim Mirwani has written a letter to Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, in which he alleged that illegal sand and gravel mining has resumed in various parts of his district.
He alleged in the letter that the illegal extraction is taking place with the support of the local SHO and the staff of the Sindh Mines and Minerals Department.
However, a spokesperson for the Mines and Minerals Department refuted these allegations, saying that the incumbent SHO was only appointed 10 days ago, following the removal of the previous SHO due to complaints.
The spokesperson suggested that the DC's letter might be based on outdated information or incorrect details and recommended that the DC provide specific information about the areas and people involved to facilitate legal action.
Meanwhile, Karachi police chief AIG Javed Alam Odho has directed District East DIG Ghulam Azfar Mahesar to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
As part of this investigation, SHO Mines and Minerals Zahid Khonharo and SHO Memon Goth Sarfraz Jatoi were summoned on Saturday to record their statements. DIG Mahesar has been directed to complete the investigation and submit a report within three days. Sources told The Express Tribune that illegal sand and gravel extraction has been ongoing under the influence of a powerful police officer, who is said to be the brother of a senior Sindh government bureaucrat.
This officer previously served as the SHO of Mines and Minerals for three years and is alleged to have appointed a trusted successor to continue the illegal activities, the sources added.
The new appointee, Zahid Khonharo, is said to have faced resistance from the former officer, who reportedly misled district management and pressured the department to allow the illegal operations.