Custodial death declared homicide

Court orders FIA to probe case against cops torturing suspect to death

KARACHI:

A South district judicial magistrate in South Karachi has declared the death of a man named Sikandar in police custody as a case of custodial homicide, rejecting the police inquiry report and holding officers responsible for torture, negligence, and unlawful detention.

In a written order, the court ruled that Sikandar's death was the result of violence and failure to provide timely medical care while he was held by police. The magistrate expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, noting that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Imran Khan Jagirani — who was assigned further inquiry — did not present any new evidence and deliberately failed to implicate the police officers involved.

The order stated that a motorcycle theft case was filed on March 13 but the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell (AVLC) was never informed, and the suspect was kept in illegal custody.

The court observed that police delayed the FIR, concealed evidence, and attempted to shift blame onto private individuals to protect the real perpetrators.

Citing the postmortem report, the magistrate noted visible signs of torture and internal injuries on Sikandar's body. The court further stated that despite being seriously injured, he was denied treatment for seven hours while in custody - a grave violation of constitutional and human rights.

The case has now been referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further probe under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act 2022.

The court has ordered criminal and departmental proceedings against the police personnel involved and directed the Inspector General of Police, DIG, and SSP to take strict action against all responsible officials.