Karachi (HRNW) — The Sindh High Court has expressed severe displeasure over the performance of the investigating officer in a drug recovery case involving two accused, Faisal and Yaqoob, in the Boat Basin area.
During the hearing of the accused’s bail applications, Boat Basin Police produced the investigating officer, ASI Nasir Khan, before the court in handcuffs. Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro strongly reprimanded the officer and questioned why he had failed to appear when summoned by the court and why the case challan had not been submitted.
“Has the uniform gone to your head?” the court remarked, questioning why such allegedly incompetent police officials were not removed from service.
The investigating officer told the court that he had been unable to submit the challan due to financial problems and that he lived in a rented house. The explanation prompted surprise from the court, which questioned how his personal financial circumstances were connected to the failure to submit the challan.
The court observed that the accused had remained in jail while the investigating officer had still not submitted the challan. Justice Kalhoro further questioned who had promoted the officer and directed that action be taken against him.
The court also remarked that such officials should be removed from the police force and questioned why an officer with such performance issues was still in service. The ASI told the court that he had around three and a half years remaining until retirement and was currently suspended.
The court subsequently ordered the release of Faisal and Yaqoob on bail, directing each accused to submit surety bonds of Rs2 million.
The court also directed the DIG South to take action against the investigating officer.
Advocate Mamoon Sherwani told the court that the case against the accused had been registered at Boat Basin Police Station on March 20 and that both accused had been in jail for five months, while the investigating officer had yet to submit the challan.
The proceedings highlighted concerns regarding timely investigations, police accountability, due process and the rights of accused persons to a fair and timely trial. Prolonged detention without submission of a challan can also raise serious concerns regarding access to justice and fundamental legal rights.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on court proceedings, statements made before the court and available information. The allegations concerning drug recovery remain allegations unless established through due legal process. The court has ordered the release of both accused on bail.
