SHC reserves verdict in SIU abduction, extortion case

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on a petition accusing officials of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of abducting a Karachi citizen and demanding ransom.

The case is related to a recent incident of custodial abuse by the SIU. Atleast seven SIU officers were suspended after Irfan, reportedly died from torture while in their custody. Public protests, including road blockade outside the Edhi morgue, underscored widespread concern over the unit’s practices.

The petition, filed by Mushtaq Ali Shah, alleged that SIU personnel kidnapped him and detained him in a private torture cell at the SIU Centre. Shah sought an inquiry into the incident and asked the court to direct the Sindh inspector general (IG) to investigate, as well as to obtain details from the provincial Home Department regarding the legal basis of the SIU’s formation.

Read: Seven Karachi police officers suspended after youth dies in SIU custody

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Additional Inspector General (AIG) of the Special Branch Zulfiqar Larik, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Muqaddas Haider, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) Amjad Sheikh appeared before the court.

The bench questioned the legal standing of the SIU, asking, “Under which law was the SIU formed? Was this unit created for torture?”

Responding to the query, Additional IG Larik said the SIU had been established under Article 8 of the Police Order, 2002.

The court observed that it had earlier sought reports concerning arrest memos, detention procedures, and compliance with guidelines for medical examinations every 48 hours. “There are clear laws regarding detention, were they followed?” the court inquired.

Counsel for the detained SIU officials, Advocate Amir Mansoor Qureshi, argued that the victim had died of a heart attack and that the SHC had no jurisdiction to hear the matter.

At this, the bench warned, “Please do not attempt to dictate the court. There are judgments that direct the Sindh IG to ensure no torture cells exist.”

Larik said departmental inquiries were routinely conducted in accordance with the law. Qureshi, however, remarked that “no other court has issued as many orders against police officials as this one,” prompting the bench to clarify that it held “nothing personal against anyone.”

Read More: Seven SIU officials suspended over citizen's death by 'torture' in custody

Qureshi further stated that the medico-legal officer (MLO) had confirmed there were no signs of torture on the deceased’s body.

The court then questioned, “Do you endorse torture in custody?”

Larik responded that the case had already been transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for inquiry.

“The way I see it, the SIU should be disbanded altogether,” the judge remarked during the proceedings.

However, Advocate Qureshi cautioned that dissolving the unit could revive extortion rackets targeting traders.

After hearing all sides, the SHC reserved its verdict.