Karachi (HRNW): Five personnel of the Anti-Encroachment Force (AEF), East Zone, have been suspended following allegations that a journalist and his two children were illegally detained, kept in a lock-up, subjected to violence, and deprived of their mobile phones and cash.
A departmental inquiry has also been ordered into the incident.
Director Anti-Encroachment Force Sindh Liaquat Ali Kalhoro issued an office order suspending the five personnel with immediate effect. According to the order, the action was taken over the alleged mishandling of the situation, a dispute with a private party, and violations of station discipline and the departmental code of conduct.
The suspended personnel include Sub-Inspector Muhammad Ahmed, SHO AEF Station East Zone-I, Head Constable Azam Raza, Police Constables Rana Fawad, Muhammad Babar and Shamroz.
The office order states that the situation at AEF Station Zone-I, Karachi, was allegedly mishandled, resulting in a dispute with a private party and violations of station discipline and the code of conduct.
The suspended personnel have been directed to report to the Anti-Encroachment Force Sindh Headquarters in Karachi and attend daily roll call. They have also been barred from leaving the headquarters or station without prior permission from the competent authority.
Inquiry Report Sought Within 15 Days
Assistant Director Liaquat Hussain Jamali has been appointed as the inquiry officer to conduct a departmental inquiry against the suspended personnel.
He has been directed to submit the inquiry report, along with recommendations, within 15 days.
Journalist and Children Allegedly Detained
According to sources, at around 5pm the previous day, the SHO of AEF East Zone-I, along with other personnel and more than 20 officials, allegedly detained the journalist and his two children and kept them in a lock-up.
It has been alleged that the journalist and his children were subjected to violence and that two mobile phones and cash were also taken from them.
The journalist and his two children were subsequently recovered from AEF custody following intervention by district police.
Following complaints received regarding the incident, the Director of the Anti-Encroachment Force suspended five personnel and ordered a departmental inquiry.
Human Rights Perspective
Illegal detention, torture or mistreatment of any citizen raises serious concerns regarding fundamental human rights, due process and the rule of law. A transparent investigation, protection of the alleged victims and legal action against those found responsible are essential if the allegations are established.
Disclaimer
This report has been compiled on the basis of the available official office order and information received from sources. Allegations of illegal detention, violence and taking mobile phones and cash will be subject to final determination through the departmental inquiry and relevant legal proceedings.
