Tribunal ends questioning LEAs security responsibility

KARACHI (PPI) - Inquiry tribunal in Sindh High Court Saturday concluded probe into violent incidents of April 9, 2008 in Karachi and questioned who was responsible to ensure security to general public on that day. Justice Nadeem Azhar Siddiqui of SHC headed inquiry tribunal, formed by Sindh government on June 18, 2008 with reference to find out reasons, people behind bloody incidents on April 9, 2008. Justice Siddiqui said concerned officer of Karachi police, who was responsible to put in place physical measures for security, safety of people on that day be produced before tribunal. He observed SSP Special Branch had no prior information about occurrence of incidents, while SSP Security stated he was only responsible for security of VVIPs, VIPs or mega events in city. In such a situation, who had to take steps to maintain security. AAG Sarwar Khan said SSP(SB) was duty bound to collect information in advance on occurrence of any untoward incident through intelligence reports, provide it to SSP Security, who would forward same to SSP Operations for taking measures to avert any loss of life or property. Earlier, relative or employer of four people killed in arson riots and police officers, who investigated cases recorded statement before tribunal. Police officers said six people - four men, two women - were burnt to death inside Tahir Plaza in arson attack. One person was gunned down outside, two drivers and a conductor of minibuses were shot dead in separate incidents on same day. Relatives of seven victims did not appear to record statement despite police notice. Heirs or employer of four victims appeared. AAG said 83 witnesses testified so far. Investigation officers said they were unable to arrest culprits due to lack of cooperation from public. Inquiry revealed fire-fighters gave timely response, but could not initiate rescue operation at Tahir Plaza and other areas due to deteriorating law and order. As a result, 11 people were killed, 1 injured, 61 vehicles set ablaze. 34 FIRs of these incidents were lodged at police stations. AAG said as nobody is left to testify, tribunal should conclude probe and prayed to send report on findings to provincial government.

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