Park at your own risk: Several cars go missing from Sohrab Goth cattle market

Law enforcers yet to ensure security off the highway for people coming to buy sacrificial animals.

KARACHI:

Excited shoppers who are making their way to Sohrab Goth to buy sacrificial animals are losing more than what they are gaining.

With poor law enforcement, several people who made the long drive to the highway have complained of being mugged at gunpoint. Others were not so lucky and had to part with their cars from the market's parking lot.

The cattle market is being administered by the Malir Cantonment Board, which has auctioned parking and other administrative responsibilities through open bids. It has, however, failed to make sure that the facility is safe for shoppers.



"You see, there is too much chaos," pointed out Asim Booti, a resident of North Karachi. "The Malir Cantonment is just making money by providing contracts to different people, who were looting money instead of providing a peaceful environment."

Booti came with Rs100,000 to buy a cow but someone in plainclothes looted him inside the market. "The police are also refusing to register an FIR unless the market administration is also on board," he complained, explaining that they have also registered complaints that as the police don't take action. "How will I return the money to other people as I was a co-buyer?"

Accepting that the number of thefts is high, the Malir Cantonment official, who was stationed at the market, assured that the administration will take action against the contractor of the parking area and the law enforcers who are responsible for that area. "We will either cancel their contract or impose a penalty on the contractors," he said.



Faisal Sheikh, another visitor to the cattle market, told The Express Tribune that his olive green Toyota Corolla went missing from the market's parking lot. "My car was stolen from right under the nose of the park administration," he exclaimed, blaming the cantonment board for giving out contracts to the wrong people.

Even the parking contractor, Adnan, agreed that it is unfortunate that such a large number of people have been deprived of their cars. "We have registered several complaints and demanded deployment of more law enforcement personnel but the administration is not addressing this issue," he said. Meanwhile, Sohrab Goth market administrator Shahab Ali accused the contractor for being inefficient. The Malir Cantonment should immediately cancel their contracts, he suggested.

Another way to lose money

Residents, who have been spared by car thieves, have been cornered by policemen who are stopping cars heading to or from the cattle market and asking for bribes.

Strategically located under the bridge on Super Highway that is the main intersection to go to the cattle market, these policemen are stopping cars on some pretext and do not allow them to drive on unless they are bribed — sometimes even a meagre Rs100.

"One official asked us to show him our driving licence and the official book of the car," recalled Hassan, who was on his way to the market. "Even when we showed both the documents, he was adamant on getting some money so he kept asking us for random documents. Finally, he told us to give him Rs500 or he won't let us go." Hassan and his friend fumed but they ended up paying the money.

On the other hand, these policemen insisted that what they are charging is not bribe. "This isn't bribe, sir," claimed a policeman deployed near the cattle market. "These are just small amount for chai paani [refreshment]. We're helping people by not imposing heavy fines."

Sohrab Goth SHO denied, however, that the police are harassing Eid shoppers. "This isn't possible because I am there on the road as well," said SHO Muhammad Shoaib. "If someone has a complaint they should contact me and I will punish the policeman asking for bribe. If any policeman is found involved then I am ready to return your money."

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2013.